Disney Channel Welcomes Demi Lovato to 'Mollywood'

Zap2It.com | May 21, 2008

Demi Lovato

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'Welcome to Mollywood' is the channel's latest sitcom

The parents of Hannah Montana fans might want to keep in mind Demi Lovato as the name of the next teen queen.

The Disney Channel has cast the 15-year-old singer-actress as the star of its new live-action comedy series "Welcome to Mollywood."

"Our success is completely driven by the talent we partner with -- in front of and behind the camera," said Gary Marsh, president, Entertainment, Disney Channels Worldwide. "The entire 'Mollywood' creative team is the best in the business when it comes to creating break-out kid and family comedy. And Demi Lovato -- actress, singer and songwriter -- is without a doubt the next big talent to emerge from Disney Channel."

"Welcome to Mollywood," the sitcom's working title, centers on 15-year-old Molly (Lovato), a Midwestern girl who wins a nationwide search to move to Los Angeles and join the cast of the most popular teen sketch comedy show on TV. The series will feature a show-within-a-show, with fully produced comedy sketches.

Tiffany Thornton, Tawni Hart, Brandon Mychal Smith, Doug Brochu and Allisyn Ashley Arm will co-star.

Production will begin in September for a premiere during the 2008-'09 season.

Lovato first gained fame in the short form comedy series "As the Bell Rings" on the Disney Channel. She next stars in two Disney Channel Original Movies: "Camp Rock" with the Jonas Brothers, premiering June 20, and the upcoming "Princess Protection Program" with pal Selena Gomez. Lovato also landed a solo recording contract with Disney's Hollywood Records and will perform this summer on the Jonas Brothers "Burning Up" concert tour.