NEW YORK � Hilary Duff is joining the cast of �Gossip Girl� � but not on a regular basis.

The CW series� spokeswoman, Melissa Burton, says the 21-year-old singer and actress will guest-star next season as �a movie star looking for a typical college experience.�
Duff�s character, named Olivia Burke, enrolls at New York University and becomes roommates with �Gossip Girl� hipster Vanessa, portrayed by Jessica Szohr.
Oh, what a tangled web: Burton says Olivia will spark a romance with aspiring novelist Dan, played by Penn Badgley. As fans know, Vanessa used to have eyes for Dan � then they dated other people.
Duff begins her �Gossip� arc on Oct. 5.
Season three premieres Sept. 14, as the prep kids head off to college.