by Dan J Kroll

Posted Monday, January 18, 2010 1:02:32 AM

Six-time Emmy winner Erika Slezak (Viki Banks) and her alter ego will be spending some time away from Llanview in the upcoming weeks. The actress is set to undergo a surgical procedure that will sideline her for a period of time.

"Erika shared that she will be having back surgery at the end of January," the actress' official fan club announced on its web site. "In Llanview, Viki will take a trip to London to cover [for] Erika's absence."

The site offered no additional comments on the nature of the actress' surgery.

Slezak's surgery will coincide with the show's move to its new studio, the space that previously housed production of All My Children before its move to Los Angeles. The actress is expected to return to work within a few weeks.

Erika Slezak joined the cast of One Life to Live in March 1971. Last year, Slezak signed a new contract with One Life to Live, extending her stay "for the next few years."

Photo: Donna Svennevik/ABC