Ashlee to Move Into Melrose Place?

UPDATE: In a statement to OK!, Ashlee confirms the news. "I'm thrilled to be joining the cast of Melrose Place and look forward to being a part of its new generation of residents.”

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It's been five years since Ashlee Simpson had a regular TV gig, but a new report is claiming that Jessica Simpson's little sister is set to return to full-time acting with a role in the upcoming reboot of '90s TV hit Melrose Place.

According to EW.com, Ashlee — who recently shot a guest appearance on CSI with hubby Pete Wentz, will play a character named Violet (described as a "shrewd sex kitten") on the planned update for The CW network.

The new Melrose is expected to land a slot in The CW's fall lineup alongside the relatively successful relaunch of 90210 that premiered in 2008. Of course — for all three of you who didn't know this — the original Melrose Place was itself a spin-off of Beverly Hills 90210 back in the '90s.

As for the rumors that Heather Locklear would be reprising her role in the reboot, the item quotes a source as saying, "Both sides are talking... It's looking good."