Exclusive Girl Gossip: Brian Babe Joins Cast!

• Sep 16, 2007 12:21 AM ET
• by Michael Ausiello

What better way to celebrate Emmy Eve than with some huge big medium-sized casting prattle!

What About Brian's Jessica Szohr who played Barry Watson's neighbor/love interest right before the show was axed is joining the cast of CW's Gossip Girl in the pivotal role of Vanessa. As fans of the GG books know, Vanessa is Dan's (Penn Badgley) childhood best friend who moved away from home, but who's come back to New York all grown up and sporting a major crush on her BFF. Unfortunately, her timing kinda-sorta sucks since she shows up just as Dan is falling head over heels for Serena (Blake Lively).

OK, I'm off to make the pre-Emmy party rounds here in Hollywood. Remember, if you have burning Q's for any of the Emmy nominees, post 'em below or e-mail me at ask_ausiello@tvguide.com and I'll do my best to get them answered on the red carpet tomorrow.

Happy Emmy Eve!