SEASON PREMIERE

AT LONG LAST --- FAITH TAKES THE PLUNGE AND GETS MARRIED, ON A SPECIAL ONE-HOUR SEASON PREMIERE OF ABC'S "HOPE & FAITH," FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

Kelly Ripa's Real-Life Husband Mark Consuelos Guest Stars On the Series' Third Season Premiere

"The Marriage - Part 1 and Part 2" - After years of being on the single merry-go-round and searching for her soul mate, Faith receives proposals from not one, but two ardent boyfriends - Gary "The Gooch" Gucharez" (Mark Consuelos), the sexy former baseball star, and Larry, the romantic and handsome TV news anchor (Dean Cain). Will she take the plunge? Will she say "I do"? Yes! But does Hope approve of her sister's decision? It isn't all rose petals on the way to the altar on the Season Premiere of "Hope & Faith," FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.

Mark Consuelos, co-star of the television series "Missing," will guest star, reprising his role from last season as "The Gooch." He also appeared in the recently released theatrical feature, "The Great Raid," an inspiring drama that tells the true story of a daring rescue mission during World War II.

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

Guest starring in "The Marriage - Part 1" are Stephen Bradbury as minister and James Strauss as bartender.

Guest starring in "The Marriage - Part 2" are Chance Kelly as Frank and Brian Reddy as Mediator.

"The Marriage - Part 1" is written by Tod Himmel and directed by Scott Ellis, 2005 Tony Award nominee for the Broadway revival of "Twelve Angry Men."

"The Marriage - Part II" is written by Jenny Snyder and directed by Scott Ellis.

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

These programs carry a TV-PG,D parental guideline.