CARMEN ELECTRA TO GUEST STAR ON ABC'S "HOPE & FAITH"

Carmen Electra will guest star in an episode of ABC's hit comedy "Hope & Faith," in which she competes with Faith (Kelly Ripa) for the affections of former baseball star Gary "The Gooch" Gucharez, portrayed by Mark Consuelos, who is married to Ripa in real life. The episode will air in January 2005.

In two previous episodes, Ripa and Consuelos' characters experienced the hint of a romance, but just when things start to heat up, Electra, playing a rich ex-girlfriend, shows up to give Ripa serious competition.

Electra most recently hosted the series "Manhunt: The Search for America's Most Gorgeous Male Model," and co-stars on the series "Summerland." She was also on the series "Til Death Do Us Part: Carmen & Dave," and has appeared in several theatrical movies, including "Starsky and Hutch," "My Bosses Daughter" and "Scary Movie." Her upcoming film projects include "Dirty Love," "Getting Played" and "Searching for Bobby De Niro," as well as a fitness DVD.

"Hope & Faith" stars Faith Ford as Hope, Kelly Ripa as Faith, Ted McGinley as Charley, Megan Fox as Sydney, Macey Cruthird as Hayley and Paulie Litt as Justin.

"Hope & Faith" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1-channel surround sound.