Leisha Hayley will star in the L Word Spin-off

While L Word fans patiently await the kick-off of the series 6th and final season in January 2009, news of a L Word spin-off in the works kept everyone that little more restless for answers. As GenQ reported back in July, Ilene Chaiken, creator executive producer of the show, has been signed to write and produce a pilot for an L Word spin-off. Up until now however, little was known to the public about which character the spin-off would be based around.

Showtime have now confirmed that Leisha Hailey has been brought in to star in the show. For those who aren't familiar, Hayley plays Alice, the witty, humorous bisexual writer-cum-tv panelist. More than enough character depth to sustain a spin off.

It seems we will be fed details bit by bit over time, as Showtime are yet to release any details about what Chaiken has planned for Alice in the new series. What's known is that she will take a storyline from season six and continue it as internet-only content. If the pilot continues into a series, the online component will segue into the new show.

To check out some of Leisha's work on The L Word, see the GenQ Youtube channel

See Showtime's Press Release below:

LEISHA HAILEY CAST IN "THE L WORD®" PILOT SPINOFF FOR SHOWTIME

ILENE CHAIKEN, CREATOR AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCER OF ORIGINAL SERIES, WILL WRITE AND PRODUCE THE PILOT

LOS ANGELES, CA – (September 4, 2008) – Leisha Hailey will star in a pilot presentation spinoff of THE L WORD®' for SHOWTIME scheduled to begin shooting in December. Ilene Chaiken, creator and executive producer of THE L WORD®, will return to write and produce the pilot.

THE L WORD® will premiere its sixth and final season in January 2009, marking the end of an era chronicling the lives of these iconic characters that have played a pivotal role in changing cultural perceptions of lesbians and the transgender community on and off screen.

Since the series' inception, Hailey has played "Alice" – a bubbly yet out-and-proud lesbian living in Los Angeles amongst a group of friends as they navigate careers, families, friendships, inner struggles and romantic entanglements.

Tags: Ilene Chaiken, Leisha Hayley, Showtime, The L Word