NIKKI BLONSKY CAST IN THE NEW ABC FAMILY ORIGINAL SERIES "HUGE" TO PREMIERE IN SUMMER 2010

Burbank, CA (March 23, 2010) � Golden Globe(R)-nominated Nikki Blonsky ("Hairspray") has signed to star in the new ABC Family original scripted drama series, "Huge," which will begin production next month (April) and is set to premiere on the network in summer 2010. Funny, heartbreaking and provocative, "Huge" follows the lives of seven teens and the staff at a weight-loss camp, as they look beneath the surface to discover their true selves and the truth about each other.

In "Huge," Blonsky will portray Willamina, a teen whose sardonic and rebellious nature make her a menace to some and revolutionary to others. Additional cast include Andrew Caldwell as Trent, Zander Eckhouse as George, Harvey Guillen as Alistair, Ari Stidham as Ian, Ashley Holliday as Chloe and Hayley Hasselhoff as Amber.

"Huge," based on author Sasha Paley's book of the same name from Alloy Entertainment, is being developed by Winnie Holzman ("Wicked," "My So-Called Life," "Once & Again") and daughter Savannah Dooley. Holzman will be executive producer on the premiere episode, and will serve as consultant for the remainder of the episodes. Dooley will serve as producer on the series. Alloy Entertainment's Bob Levy and Leslie Morgenstein ("Gossip Girl," "The Vampire Diaries") will serve as executive producers; Robin Schiff ("Romy & Michele's High School Reunion" and ABC Family's "10 Things I Hate About You") will serve as a consulting producer.

Part of the Disney-ABC Television Group, ABC Family is distributed in over 98 million homes. ABC Family features programming reflecting today's families, entertaining and connecting with adults through relatable programming about today's relationships � told with a mix of diversity, dysfunction, passion, humor and heart. ABC Family's programming is a combination of network defining original series and original movies, quality acquired series and blockbuster theatricals. ABC Family is also the destination for annual Holiday events with "13 Nights of Halloween" and "25 Days of Christmas!" ABC Family. A New Kind of Family.