The CW may utilize an upcoming episode of Gossip Girl later this season to test the spin-off waters, according to a new report in Variety this week.

According to insiders, one of the episodes this spring may end up doubling as a "backdoor pilot," setting the stage for a potential Gossip Girl spin-off.

Such a move would save the network pilot costs, and allow the CW a chance to gauge viewer reaction before moving forward on such a companion show.

Rumors of a Gossip Girl spin-off have been percolating for some time, in part because Alloy Entertainment's Gossip Girl book series - from which the TV show was based - already has a spinoff of its own entitled The It Girl.

But sources say a televised Gossip Girl spin-off would not be The It Girl, nor would it focus on Jenny Humphrey (the character spun off from the Gossip Girl book series, who became The It Girl). On TV, Jenny is played by Taylor Momsen.

Would you like to see a Gossip Girl spin-off? And who should star?

Still, the TV spin-off would likely center on one of the show's nine regular stars - although a new character could conceivably be planted in the backdoor pilot.

A Gossip Girl spin-off is still in the very early stages of development, and didn't seem likely earlier this year when it was basically shot down by Josh Schwartz.

But the CW may decide to move forward after all now that it's been forced to scrap The Graysons, an origins tale revolving around Batman's sidekick, Robin.

The Graysons was set to be a big part of this year's CW development slate. With that out of the picture, the CW has been hunting for another big-ticket show.

What do you think? Should there be a Gossip Girl spin-off? And if so, which character should star in it? Leave a comment and let us know ...

Steve Marsi is the Managing Editor of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Google+ or email him here.