Stars line up for 'AMC' anniversary

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 28 (UPI) -- Former "All My Children" stars Eva La Rue, Julia Barr, James Mitchell, Leven Rambin and Eden Riegel are to return for the U.S. soap opera's 40th anniversary.

Also set to make return appearances on the show Jan. 4-5 are Laurence Lau, Taylor Miller, Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, ABC said Monday.

"As soon as a few of its colorful residents invaded my imagination over 40 years ago, Pine Valley became my second home and family," show creator Agnes Nixon said in a statement. "A very large and loving family, beginning with the devoted writers and talented actors who bring the characters to life. Then production, from the executive producer and her staff, to studio crews, whose technical skills work the magic of television. And all this done day, after day, after day. Finally, but most importantly, are the millions of viewers down the decades whose loyalty to 'All My Children' and its quixotic characters has kept us on the air for 40 years. To this family, I am forever grateful."

"All My Children" will have its first day of production at its new home in Los Angeles Jan. 4. It was previously taped in New York.