Ashlee Simpson Cast on Melrose Place Reboot

Heather Locklear might still join the upcoming Melrose Place remake - but, if so, she won't even be the biggest name in the apartment complex.

Entertainment Weekly reports that Ashlee Simpson - yes, Ashlee Simpson! - has been cast as a new version of Sydney.

According to Michael Ausiello, the former 7th Heaven star - and Jessica's little sister - will portray small-town girl Violet, a character whose sweet naiveté masks a calculating, shrewd sex kitten.

Simpson is the third actor cast on The CW series. She joins Katie Cassidy (as publicist Ella), Michael Rady (as aspiring filmmaker Jonah) on the show, which will debut in the fall.

As for Locklear, a source told the magazine that a deal with the actress is "looking good." We'll keep readers apprised of negotiations as they develop.

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.