Tyrone Warner, CTV.ca

One of Canada’s most beloved screen legends, actress Shirley Douglas, visited the set of Degrassi for a guest starring role in the upcoming season.

The 73-year-old Douglas will play the head of a theatre department at a university.

“Degrassi: The Next Generation” returns for a seventh season as Canada’s most popular home-grown drama.

Douglas has appeared in other Canadian shows including CTV’s “Corner Gas” and “Robson Arms.”

In an interview with the “Canadian Press,” Douglas says she was surprised by the invitation.

“I used to watch Degrassi a long time ago, and I didn’t realize they’re still making it, because I don’t have any children at home and I don’t watch a lot of television for young people,” said Douglas.

“So I was very excited when I heard they were still doing it.”

Douglas shared a scene with Mike Lobel, who plays “Jay Hogart,” a bad boy who’s always looking out for number one.

Though his character is a paramount of confidence, Lobel says he was nervous meeting Douglas and sharing a scene.

“The first thing about Shirley that I think you realize is that she has this very open personality and she’ll talk about anything. She knows tons about everything and she’s really just the coolest person to listen to,” Lobel said.

“It was nerve-racking to meet her, though,” he added. “She’s just so commanding. She’s a commanding woman, a very commanding actress, and she makes you pay attention.”

Douglas has not confirmed if she will return for another appearance, but hasn’t ruled it out either.

“I would love to have her keep coming back to the school,” she said.

The episode featuring Douglas will air in January 2008.

Douglas is the daughter of famous Canadian politician Tommy Douglas, married Donald Sutherland and is the mother of “24” star Kiefer Sutherland.

With files from the Canadian Press