ANDREA EVANS has returned to her Emmy-nominated role as Tina Lord Roberts on "One Life to Live" after an 18-year absence -- just in time for the show's 40th anniversary, taking place on July 15.

"To know that I left 'One Life to Live' 18 years ago and that the audience still so badly wanted me to come back -- how could I say no?" she tells ET. "There is nothing more complimentary than to have your audience miss you and want you back."

Andrea says she never wanted to leave the show, but she was involved in a very scary stalking situation at that time and as the danger escalated, she realized, it was her job or her life. Of course, her decision was obvious.

"The stalking situation was petrifying for me," she recalls. "It made me leave a job I loved, a city I loved and my best friends and move on. It was a very frightening time in my life. On the other side of that, I think it has made me a better person. It gives you a whole new perspective."

Andrea went public with her situation because, at that time, as she learned, neither the police, nor the FBI could help her as there were no stalking laws on the books. And, she wants to make it clear that it isn't just celebrities who are stalked, but most often, just everyday women -- and some men.

"The good news is there are much better laws now than when it happened to me," she explains. "That is one of the only reasons I went public, to help bring about those laws. There are several women who came forward to help. I think we have. It is more of a publicized crime. The public is more aware of it."

Andrea's first day back on the air will be Tuesday, June 10.