We're speak for the validity of this rumor, but online reports suggest that Gossip Girl star Blake Lively has begged the show's producers to kill her character off.

The 21-year-old actress wants to leave her role as Serena van der Woodsen in the hit drama after growing tired of behind-the-scenes rows between the cast.

A source reportedly told Heat magazine: "Blake has asked producers to kill off her character."

"She's tired of working on the show. It was great at the beginning, but she's started to get bored of her storylines and all the petty fights on set."

"Nearly all the Gossip Girl cast members have had some kind of bust-up. Besides the fact that she gets to work with her boyfriend, Blake wants to leave."

Although the producers have not yet agreed to Lively's request, the actress has reportedly pitched a number of possible exit storylines to the show-runners.

Blake and Penn in New York this week. Does she want to leave the show?

The source added: "Serena's been the show's most dramatic character and Blake thinks she deserves a fitting exit. Execs aren't convinced they'll let her go but ideas have been thrown around. Suicide is one, though it's likely to be an accident."

The Green Lantern actress feels she has outgrown the show and is now setting her sights further afield: "She's grown up a lot and although she's grateful to Gossip Girl for giving her the status she's achieved, it doesn't fit her future plans."

Well. That's a lot to digest. Assuming this is true - a big if - would you be sad to see Blake leave? How could Serena van der Woodsen be written off the show?

Until we hear it from Blake herself or at least a more credible source, as opposed to a random source citing another random one, we'll assume it's just ... gossip.

UPDATE, 11:38 a.m. EST: As predicted by TV Fanatic, this story is bogus. Gossip Girl executive producer Josh Schwartz just tweeted the following: "Have to respond: no truth to rumors that BL requested to have Serena killed. All is well. GG S4 back on 9/13."

There you have it. Everybody, all together now: PHEW!!

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