A method of and a communications system (50) for playing a message to a calling party (1) when the calling party (1) calls a called party (2) and the called party (2) is alerted to the call. The message (30) is also played after the called party (2) disconnects (26) from the call (24). The play of the message may be put on hold when the called party (2) answers the call and the play of the message may be continued (38; 30) when the called party (2) disconnects from the call. The message may be replayed when the called party (2) disconnects from the call (24). During play of the message (30) the calling party (1) may be provided connect control (47) of the play.