'Sopranos' Steven Schirripa headed to soap

NEW YORK, Aug. 26 (UPI) -- "The Sopranos" Steven Schirripa, on hiatus with the HBO series until 2006, is moonlighting with a brief stint on the CBS daytime drama, "Guiding Light."

Schirripa, who plays Bobby Baccalieri on the popular cable show, will star as himself on next week's episodes, Zap2it.com reported Thursday.

His appearance on the soap reportedly will excite teens Tammy, played by Stephanie Gatschet, and Joey, played by Justin Klosky, who attempt to get Schirripa's help for a summer internship project.

Schirripa joined "The Sopranos" cast in 2000 as the right-hand man to Uncle Junior, played by Dominic Chianese.