Angel

Strip Tease : Picture it. James Marsters. In the nude. Do you really need another reason to watch the WB’s Angel this season ?

During a live set visit for E ! News Live, James confessed to me that the rumors are true—he does appear in the buff. In fact, he has already shot the scene. Me-yowww.

I also learned that three fabulous guest stars are set to appear this season : Sarah Michelle Gellar, Alyson Hannigan and Juliet Landau.

But you didn’t come to this column to hear me rattle on, so here are James’ answers to the questions you sent in earlier this week :

From Danielle Mandno of Tempe, Arizona : How was the transition from Buffy to Angel ? It really wasn’t much of a transition. I just hit the ground running like every year. A lot of the writers and producers are the same. A lot of the directors are the same. I’ve worked with David Boreanaz before, and I worked with Alexis Denisof doing Shakespeare. So, it feels very normal, and I was welcomed with open arms. The people like one another, and I have to say I’m very, very happy here.

From Helen Gray of London : Who do you miss most from Buffy ? Tony Head. He had an energy that was so clean and warm, and you could just feel healed by being in his presence—swear to God. I’d come in all depressed about one thing or another, spend five minutes with Tony and I’d be fine. He’s an incredible man. All that warmth is genuine.

From Gigi Caliente of Los Angeles : How do you feel about Angel and Spike’s dynamic this season ? It’s really cool—there is so much there. They share such a deep connection, even a love. They can’t really talk to anyone around them about what they’ve done. They can’t talk to humans about how they feel about humans, because vampires look at humans as very limited creatures. They come in and out and don’t tell humans much about anything.

From Kristin M. of New York City : Do you think Buffy really loved Spike ? No, I think she used him mercilessly. I think she felt dead inside and needed to feel something to make her feel alive. Spike was there and wanted her, and they had great sex. She knew he was in love with her, but I think the real love of her life was Angel. To Spike’s credit, he realized that.

From Melby of San Rafael, California : Who would win an oil-wrestling match—Spike or Angel ? And can I watch ? [Laughs.] That would have to be pay-per-view for sure. It would be more expensive than a Tyson fight. I don’t know ! I think if those two characters fight, just like Buffy and Spike, they need to be equally matched for dramatic possibilities...it would be a draw.