Stan Richards' arrival was the only notable change to the cast this year as Seth Armstrong appeared for the first time in Episode 449. Initially beginning as a secondary character, it would be another two years before Richards would begin to appear as a regular, for now only appearing when storylines demanded. Gail Harrison returned as Marian Wilks for seven episodes from October. This would be the last time Harrison appeared in the series. When the character of Marian appeared again, nine years later, she would instead be portrayed by Debbi Blythe.