John Beck, known for playing Dallas's Mark Graison and Flamingo Road's Sam Curtis, has joined the Santa Barbara cast, along with Texas and Dynasty alumnus Terri Garber. Former Y&R star Nina Arvesen has also come aboard.

Beck, who'll portray judge David Raymond, was hesitant about accepting work in daytime until he met with SB's executive producer Paul Rauch and creators Bridget and Jerome Dobson. "I was very impressed with the amount of work they put into the characters," Beck relates.

"I'm still a little nervous," he admits. "But anytime you go into something new, you're a little apprehensive."

Terri Garber may have it easier – she's got a relative of sorts on the show – Gordon Thomson (SB's Mason; Dynasty's ex-Adam). "I'm so happy to be working with him again," the actress enthuses. "He was my cousin on Dynasty. I was hoping we could have a moment when we first meet where we'd say, 'Haven't I seen you before?'"

Garber feels confident about playing her new role, Eden's childhood friend Suzanne Collier, who may become Cruz's new love interest when Marcy Walker (Eden) departs. "I think Marcy Walker is terrific. I don't really feel competition with anybody – I have my own special traits, and hopefully that'll work for me."

SB has also announced that they won't renew Louise Sorel's (Augusta Lockridge) contract when it expires this October. The Lockridge clan is rapidly disappearing – Nicolas Coster (Lionel) has made only a few appearances in the past six months, and Shell Danielson (Laken) will depart soon as well.