Last week we announced that Katie Cassidy was the first person cast for the updated Melrose Place. Now comes word that Ashlee Simpson-Wentz will also join Melrose.

This marks Ashlee Simpson’s first return to a regular series role since she snagged her breakthrough role on WB’s 7th Heaven.

Ashlee Simpson-Wentz will play Violet on Melrose Place, a small-town girl who comes to L.A…. and who has a secret, of course. Ashlee’s character is being compared to Melrose original Sandy Harling (played by Amy Locane).

Ashlee Simpson-Wentz will next be seen on TV’s CSI: NY, along with husband Pete Wentz.