General Hospital star Rena Sofer to reprise Lois Cerollo role after 26-year absence

Rena Sofer is returning to her Daytime Emmy-winning role as Lois Cerullo this week, marking her first appearance in the role after 26 years.

In a clip from the upcoming episode, Lois’ surprising re-entry takes both her daughter, Brook Lynn (portrayed by Amanda Setton), and her former antagonist mother-in-law, Tracy (Jane Elliott), by surprise.

After a quick exchange with Tracy, Lois clarifies she made her way back from Bensonhurst upon learning about Brook Lynn’s dismissal from Deception Cosmetics.

This revival of Lois comes amidst a challenging time for her ex-spouse, Ned (enacted by Sofer’s actual ex-spouse Wally Kurth), who is suffering from memory loss.

Ned's memory loss later gets discribed as believing he’s his ’90s rock-star persona, Eddie Maine.

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Ned's current spouse, Olivia, who was once devastated by Ned's altered state, is now increasingly captivated by his Eddie persona.

Veteran GH viewers might recall that Lois being unaware of his dual identity.

Their romance led to marriage in 1995, however, it was short-lived as Lois soon discovered Ned was concurrently wed to Katherine Bell, a role by Mary Beth Evans.

Despite reconciling and remarrying, the duo faced another split, largely due to Ned prioritizing his family’s legacy and wealth.

Subsequently, Lois exited Port Charles and later became a mother to Brook Lynn.

She briefly reappeared seven years on, with Lesli Kay taking over the role.

But Lois hasn't been in the series for years, with her last appearance in 2005.

The duration of Sofer’s portrayal as Lois this time around remains undisclosed, though an inside source from "GH" hinted to TVLine about it being a "substantial stint."

General Hospital is available to watch on ABC.