Diane Keen says her 'Doctors' return was a "no-brainer".
Diane Keen
The 73-year-old actress was back on the BBC soap's set last year as she reprised her role as Julia Parsons for the show's 20th anniversary celebrations - which air this month - and she has loved her return.
She told Inside Soap magazine: "When I was asked to come back to 'Doctors', it was a no-brainer. I almost said yes before the sentence was finished!
"It was very exciting to be a part of the anniversary episode, and I was delighted to do it. It's been heaven!"
Diane - who played Julia from 2003 until her exit in 2012 - was back on set for the first time in seven year, and she found the experience quite "surreal".
She added: "It was surreal stepping back on to the set again this time. Julia walks into The Mill looking around and seeing all these changes, and it was the same for me.
"But I walked in as Diane, and the next thing I knew, Julia was taking over."
When the soap star left the show 17 years ago, she admitted her stint had been "a huge learning curve".
She said at the time: "It's been a heck of a ride and a huge learning curve. There are so many people I'm going to miss. But we will always keep in touch.
"Julia has had a tough time over the years, but she has always come through with grace and humour. While she doesn't suffer fools, she does have a heart of gold and a great sense of humour. So whatever happens, here's to Julia's future happiness!"