The Beautiful Life will go on with or without troubled star Mischa Barton, whose current medical woes have the CW scrambling to work out a contingency plan.

A new character to fill the void left by Barton is already being cast.

While not a direct recast of Barton's experienced supermodel, Sonja Stone, the character will play a striking resemblance. If Barton recovers, the new girl will be a recurring character.

If Barton can't go, this girl may be stepping into the spotlight.

Production on The Beautiful Life, originally scheduled to begin on July 22, was pushed back a week - but not because of Mischa Barton. Supposedly at least.

The CW says the show's sets were not ready for their close-up. Production is currently set to resume the last week of July, for the show's September 16 pilot.

Barton was hospitalized last week after calling police with unspecified health problems. There are reports she was been placed on involuntary psychiatric hold.

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