At the TCA press tour, actress Brenda Strong took a break from talking about the end of Desperate Housewives to talk about TNT’s new Dallas series.

When Access Hollywood mentioned the shocker from the original Dallas when it was revealed that Bobby’s death and season eight had all been a dream, Strong joked, “Oh thank God, thank God [Pam] woke up and [he] came out of that shower, otherwise I wouldn’t have a role.”

As to her role as the most recent spouse of Bobby Ewing (Patrick Duffy), Strong wanted to make it clear that she’s not replacing anyone. She said, “I am Ann Ewing and I’m not replacing Pam, I’m not replacing Victoria Principal. I’ve been married to him for seven years… I come back as a very strong equal and come from a moneyed family and she’s definitely entrenched in Dallas society, but she’s grounded and earthy at the same time. She’s kind of like the new Miss Ellie [Ewing].” (In our recent interview with Duffy, he indicated that Bobby seems to have taken over the Jock Ewing patriarch role on the ranch.)

Strong’s role on the new Dallas reunites her with another >Desperate Housewives veteran, Jesse Metcalfe. He played Gabrielle’s gardener and lover. Strong has nothing but good things to say about his work. She shared, “He’s my new son-in-law and I have to say, Jesse really showed up for the pilot… His acting has gotten so incredibly detailed and rich and I think people are gonna be surprised about how good he is in this.”

What do you think? Are you getting excited to see the new Dallas next summer?

Image courtesy TNT.