Ashlee Simpson to star in new Melrose Place

mrs.v · March 9th, 2009, 10:06 AM

The countdown to the inevitable Pete Wentz cameo has begun! Multiple sources confirm that singer-songwriter-sometime actress Ashlee Simpson has become the latest tenant of The CW's refurbished Melrose Place.
The onetime 7th Heaven star will play small-town girl Violet, a character whose disarming naiveté masks the calculating, shrewd sex kitten within. In other words, the little tramp's Sydney.

Simpson joins a cast that so far includes Katie Cassidy (as ambitious publicist Ella), Michael Rady (as aspiring filmmaker Jonah), and, if there is a God, original Melrose icon Heather Locklear, who would be slipping back into Amanda Woodward's office microminis. "Both sides are talking," whispers my Melrose mole of Locklear. "It's looking good."
Melrose 2.0, which is considered a lock to land a spot on The CW's fall sked (most likely on Tuesdays after 90210), is being shepherded by Smallville's Darren Swimmer and Todd Slavkin. Oscar winner Davis Guggenheim (An Inconvenient Truth) has been tapped to direct the pilot.
Now for the big question: Did Simpson score the part that Mischa Barton had been circling? My sources tell me no. That means the ex-O.C. siren is in talks to stretch her acting chops to within an inch of their life play straight-arrow med student Lauren or revoltingly sweet schoolteacher Riley.
But enough about Barton, let's get back to Simpson: Thoughts on Melrose's newest acquisition? Sound off below!

Scoop: Ashlee Simpson moves into 'Melrose Place' | Melrose Place | Ausiello Files | EW.com

darksithbunny · March 9th, 2009, 10:12 AM

Wow. They really want to fuck this up before it even starts. Just add Jessica too for it to really go down in flames.

Laxmobster · March 9th, 2009, 10:39 AM

Well here's another reason I won't be watching...

visitor42 · March 10th, 2009, 02:15 AM

Why? Why? Why?

heart_leigh · March 10th, 2009, 07:10 AM

Is nothing sacred anymore?

katerpillar · March 10th, 2009, 08:55 AM

What is with that family producing mediocre singers who wrongly think they can also act?

Glitter · March 10th, 2009, 08:56 AM

I know what I won't be watching!

DitaPage* · March 10th, 2009, 10:17 AM

Argghghhhh stop re-making classics. This is going to be abysmal no doubt. Leave Melrose Place alone!

baked_tater · March 10th, 2009, 10:34 AM

For anyone else suffering under this knowlege, as I am, (I dont even know if I can handle Heather, after this many years and drugs), may I suggest a serving or two of the original show?

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sluce · March 10th, 2009, 12:47 PM

I thought Ashlee was actually pretty good on 7th Heaven. I felt bad for her having Jessica as a sister who got all the attention when Ashlee had more talent.

Mrs P · March 11th, 2009, 06:17 AM

Wow, I didn't know that they were actually going through in making this show. I just assumed it was a rumor. I'll have to make sure I catch Hoedown Jig girl's upcoming cameo on CSI (or is it Law & Order) to see how awful she is.