They're about as unreliable as a celeb gossip mag can get, but Star says is reporting that Brittany Snow has been cast in the lead role in the new Gossip Girl spinoff.

"Brittany is thrilled," a friend of the former American Dreams star says.

"She loves [Gossip Girl] and thinks the 1980s concept sets the spin-off apart. She can't wait to wear all the fabulous outfits and really sink her teeth into the role."

Brittany Snow - who has appeared in Hairspray and John Tucker Must Die - was the top choice for producers, who thought she would be the perfect choice for the part of young Lily. She was reportedly offered the role without an audition.

"Brittany always thought she was going to continue her career in films," a source said. "But this is a marvelous part and she just couldn't say no. This has the potential to be a huge show in the tradition of Melrose Place."

The "backdoor pilot" will air as part of the Gossip Girl episode May 11.

Hopefully, this story isn't made up, as we enjoy Brittany Snow. But either way, we've got an excuse to post lots of photos of her below! Click to enlarge: