Ashlee Simpson - Simpson-Wentz To Star In Richie Sitcom?

ASHLEE SIMPSON-WENTZ has received a career boost from NICOLE RICHIE - she's been handed a role in the socialite's new TV sitcom, according to U.S. reports.

The Simple Life star will produce the series, in which she'll appear as a working woman juggling her family and love life.

Simpson-Wentz was axed from U.S. show Melrose Place earlier this year (09) and has since bounced back by making her debut Broadway performance in Chicago on 30 November (09).

But now she's set to make a return to the small screen, according to American tabloid The National Enquirer.

A source tells the publication, "Nicole adores Ashlee, and she truly believes in her talent. With few other job prospects on the horizon, Ashlee - who desperately wants to establish herself as an actress - was feeling down until Nicole stepped up and promised: ‘I’ve got your back. What are girlfriends for?’”