Due to this Friday's Haiti telethon, the return of Smallville has been pushed back to January 29.

But at least the show has announced some exciting casting news to keep fans buzzing until then:

Annette O’Toole has signed a deal to reprise her role as Clark’s mom.

It's unclear just when Martha Kent will re-appear, but a Smallville source told Michael Ausiello that the episode will likely air during May sweeps. Moreover, this mother/son reunion will feature an “unexpected surprise” or two.

O’Toole last appeared in season six. She left the series when Martha moved to Washington to become a U.S. senator.

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.