CW’s breakout new show Gossip Girl, The O.C. in New York, has drama on set as well as off. In news that will surely intrigue all the 15-year-olds out there, sidekick Nan Zhang has been written off. Series creator Josh Schwartz, also responsible for The O.C., says “Zhang enrolled in Brown University during the writers’ strike and ‘didn’t tell anyone on the show.’” However, insiders say Zhang was “pushed off the show” because Gossip Girl star Leighton Meester didn’t like her. NYDN says,

The appearance of a new Asian actress on the set last week suggested that Zhang may have been replaced. But another insider says the Kati character has been written out.

“Jenny [played by Taylor Momsen] has a new group of random bitchy girls as friends,” said the source, explaining why Kati’s close pal Isabel (played by Nicole Fiscella) remains in the picture.

Says the show’s rep: “I think [Zhang] may have had another opportunity come up, but I know she was big into school. She was really sweet, but she went back to school.”

Wow, fascinating. So… um… does this officially mark the 2 week countdown to the new episodes? And is there going to be a nude J-e-l-l-o wrestling competition between Leighton Meester and Nan Zhang to settle their differences? If so, will the blond chick join in at some point? Your #1 fan, Pants Around Ankles in CA, wants to know!

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