Lively credits media for 'Gossip Girl' success

Blake Lively has admitted that tabloid interest in the Gossip Girl cast has helped keep the show on the air.

The actress, who plays Serena Van Der Woodsen in the CW drama, told The Independent that she understands the importance of the media in promoting the programme.

"Our show feeds off buzz and gossip," she explained.

"It is unfortunate to be the victim of it, but our numbers weren't amazing in the first year, so being in the tabloids helps keep our show on everyone's mouth."

She went on to say that she understood why the press tried to "draw parallels" between her on screen and off screen relationship with boyfriend Penn Badgley, who plays Dan Humphrey in the show.

"It makes sense... because the characters on our show are somewhat famous in their own world. There are people following them around with camera phones and documenting their life and making up rumours about them."

Lively can next be seen in The Private Lives Of Pippa Lee, which is released on July 10.