Singer and actress Ashlee Simpson is the latest star said to be headed to the newly renovated “Melrose Place” according to Entertainment Weekly’s Michael Ausiello.

Ashlee will reportedly play a fresh faced small-town girl named Violet, who has a dark “calculating, shrewd sex kitten within,” according to the mag – which bears a striking resemblance to the show’s original good-girl-gone-bad, Sydney, played by Laura Leighton.

As for “Melrose’s” most beloved star, Heather Locklear, the actress is reportedly considering a return. “Both sides are talking,” a source told the mag. “It’s looking good.”

The former “7th Heaven” star – and possibly Locklear – will join Katie Cassidy and Michael Rady, who have already been cast in the CW show, which is slated to debut in the fall.

Heather Locklear has been formally charged with driving under the influence of drugs (DUI).

The misdemeanor charge states the drugs in question are “prescription medications” and relates to the former “Melrose Place” actress’ September arrest, which saw her stopped in Barbara County, California, after she was seen driving erratically.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Lee Carter said: “Lab tests showed she had no alcohol in her system and no illegal narcotics of any kind. We believe the prescriptions she was taking could have impaired her ability to drive a motor vehicle safely.”

If convicted, Heather – who checked herself into an Arizona treatment facility in June to seek treatment for “anxiety and depression” – could receive a fine or up to six months in prison.

At the time of her arrest, officers with the California Highway Patrol claimed she showed “obvious impairment.”

A witness called police claiming Heather had been seen “driving erratically” and her parked car was then found blocking one lane of a highway.

An arraignment has been set for January 26 at the Santa Barbara Superior Court.

The 47-year-old star was originally booked on charges on driving under the influence of drugs and being under the influence of a controlled substance.

However, the second charge was dropped when tests showed no illegal drugs in her system.

Heather’s publicist and lawyer were not available for comment.

Heather Locklear was charged with driving under the influence of prescription medication on Saturday night (September 27, 2008).

The former “Melrose Place” actress – who checked herself into an Arizona treatment facility in June to seek treatment for “anxiety and depression” – was stopped at around 4.30pm after displaying erratic behavior while driving in Barbara County, California.

Tom Marshall, a spokesperson for the California Highway Patrol (CHP), said: “Around 4.30pm, a female witness saw Heather Locklear driving erratically while leaving a parking lot.”

“The witness said Locklear was revving her engine loudly, and backed over a pair of sunglasses several times. The witness called 911 because she was concerned for Locklear’s safety.”

“When a CHP officer arrived, Locklear was found seated inside her vehicle, which was partially blocking the roadway. Because Locklear appeared disoriented and impaired, she was taken to a local CHP station and drug and alcohol tests were administered.”

“She was cooperative. Alcohol was ruled out as a factor, but based on the officer’s observations, we believe Locklear was under the influence of prescription medication.”

The 47-year-old actress was taken to a local jail at around 7pm, where she was charged with driving under the influence of prescription medication. She was released at 11pm on $5,000 bail.

Heather has a 10-year-old daughter Ava Elizabeth with ex-husband Richie Sambora.

She is currently dating her former “Melrose Place” co-star Jack Wagner.

Heather Locklear has left rehab.The 46-year-old actress – who checked into the Arizona facility on June 19 – is said to be feeling rejuvenated after spending four weeks being treated for anxiety and depression.

A source said: “Heather is feeling really great. And she looks beautiful, just radiant.”

“She seems happier – she told a really funny story and she laughed from her core. That’s when I knew she was going to be fine.”

“I think that’s the best part of all – it’s so nice to hear her laugh.”

During her stay, Heather enjoyed therapeutic spa treatments, rode horses and learned to appreciate being on her own.

Heather – who was visited by her actor boyfriend Jack Wagner during her time in the clinic – can’t wait to be reunited with her 10-year-old daughter Ava, from her marriage to Bon Jovi rocker Richie Sambora.

The source added: “She is most excited to be back home with Ava.”

Heather Locklear is set to star in “Angels Fall,” a Lifetime original movie based on Nora Roberts’ best-selling suspense romance novel.

Johnathon Schaech is co-starring in the film, the third of four adaptations of books by Roberts that Lifetime plans to run back-to-back on Monday nights in February.

The first two, “Carolina Moon,” starring Claire Forlani, Jacqueline Bisset and Oliver Hudson, and “Montana Sky,” starring John Corbett, Ashley Williams, Charlotte Ross and Diane Ladd, have completed production. The fourth one, “Blue Smoke,” is in preproduction.

“Angels” centers on Reese Gilmore (Locklear), a chef who is reeling from a shooting spree at her Boston restaurant that left her as the sole survivor.

Locklear most recently starred in ABC’s comedy pilot “Women of a Certain Age,” starred in the feature “The Perfect Man” and did a multi-episode arc on ABC’s “Boston Legal.” Schaech’s recent credits include the feature “Sea of Dreams” and CBS’ TV movie “Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas.”