'The OC' producer joins 'Gossip Girl'

John Stephens has been hired as an executive producer on Gossip Girl.

Stephens was approached by Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, the show's existing executive producers, having previously worked with them on The OC.

"I was a big fan of Gossip Girl - probably embarrassingly big for a 36-year-old man - so that, and the prospect of working with Stephanie and Josh again, meant I probably would have worked on the show for free," said Stephens. "It was a real bonus when they offered to pay me."

Stephens will also develop new shows for Gossip producer Warner Brothers Television under the deal.