NEW YORK -- Hilary Duff is joining the cast of "Gossip Girl" _ but not on a regular basis.

The CW series' spokeswoman, Melissa Burton, says the 21-year-old singer and actress will guest-star next season as "a movie star looking for a typical college experience."

Duff's character, named Olivia Burke, enrolls at New York University and becomes roommates with "Gossip Girl" hipster Vanessa, portrayed by Jessica Szohr (ZOR).

Oh, what a tangled web: Burton says Olivia will spark a romance with aspiring novelist Dan, played by Penn Badgley. As fans know, Vanessa used to have eyes for Dan _ then they dated other people.

Duff begins her "Gossip" arc on Oct. 5.

Season three premieres Sept. 14, as the prep kids head off to college.

___

On the Net:

http://www.cwtv.com/