THE OC - THE OC BREAKING AGE BARRIERS

THE OC star MELINDA CLARKE is regularly shocked by fans' revelations following her character's controversial romantic liaisons.

The redhead actress, who plays MISCHA BARTON's onscreen mother JULIE COOPER in the hit TV drama, has romanced both her best pal KIRSTEN COHEN's older father CALEB NICHOL, played by ALAN DALE, and her daughter's ex-boyfriend LUKE WARD, played by CHRIS CARMACK, in the programme.

Clarke explains, "I was at the wrap party, and a young man and his friends were sitting at a table. And as I walked by, he grabbed my arm and said, 'I just wanted to say thank you. Because of you, I'm dating my best friend's mother.'"