Soap Opera Digest: We're so happy you're back! What have you been up to?
Kelli McCarty: I've been sleeping in late [laughs]. I was in Hawaii for four months, working and loving it, and doing more relaxing than working.

Digest: Nice! What were you working on?
McCarty: It's a new show called BEYOND THE BREAK. It's for The N network. It stars David Chokachi. It's a really cool surf show with fun storylines.

Digest: Do you play a surfer?
McCarty: No. I wish I did, but I can't surf. I was shooting there from the fall through January, and it was so much fun. Then I came back [to L.A.] and worked with a guy on his documentary.

Digest: What is it about?
McCarty: It's on disabled dogs, and it's called Diva Dog. It's really cool. It's about a pit bull that's in a dog wheelchair. I was so impressed with the documentary.

Digest: Did you help him behind the scenes or are you in it?
McCarty: I'm in it.

Digest: What was your reaction when PASSIONS called you to come back?
McCarty: I felt like we knew Beth flew off and we had to figure out what she ended up doing; there had to be some sort of follow-up to the storyline. I wasn't totally surprised [by the call], but I was happy.

Digest: How long will Beth be around this time?
McCarty: They really haven't said anything to me. Hopefully for a while. I'm crossing my fingers.

Digest: Last time we saw you, your hair was short. What's it like now?
McCarty: I think it's totally different. It's a lot lighter. I have highlights and it's long. It's a big change for Beth. The short, spiky stuff is gone now. I hadn't done that specifically for the show, but I just wanted to start changing it. When they called, they said it's perfect because we haven't seen Beth in so long.

Digest: Some things have changed since you left; a few co-stars have become parents.
McCarty: Oh, my gosh! I bring my own bottled water because I don't know what's going on around here [laughs]. It's so strange to know all these people for so long and see them in a different light as parents. It's a trip.

Digest: And there are some new faces around.
McCarty: Yeah. I haven't even met everyone yet. I'm looking forward to meeting Maya. I haven't even met the new Fox yet.

Digest: Have you seen Kathleen Noone (ex-Edna) lately?
McCarty: We talk about every month or two. She's doing great. I'm not sure when I'll see her again, but I hope it will be soon. I know she's been working quite a bit on other things.

Digest: And how is your husband [TV producer Matt Dearborn]?
McCarty: He's been pitching shows and trying to get a new project going. We had time off at the same time. It's been probably five years that we had time off together [and were able] to go to the movies, do yoga, whatever.

Digest: Did he go to Hawaii with you?
McCarty: He is the executive producer [of BEYOND THE BREAK]. It's so funny how that works [laughs]! I did audition for it. His writing staff was in L.A., so I was in Hawaii a lot when he was here working, but he did come over a couple of times.

Digest: We're excited about Beth's return.
McCarty: From the fan feedback that I get, they say they miss hating me. I think it will be fun for the fans to see.