Nicole Richie Signs Sitcom Deal  12/2/05

Lionel Richie's daughter Nicole is poised for a new life as a sitcom star, after signing a deal with 20th Century Fox TV.

The svelte beauty, who shot to fame with her former pal Paris Hilton in hit reality show The Simple Life, is hoping to either be cast in an existing series or have one created around her.

Richie, who's currently meeting with writers, would like to play a version of herself on TV - much like Will Smith's turn in The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.

She says, "Things are funnier when you base them on your real life, when you make fun of yourself. But it's definitely a sitcom (not a reality show).

While Richie has never had a regular role on a sitcom, 20th Century Fox TV bosses insist she's a great choice for the deal because of her "comedic instincts".