Apr 26, 2009, 4:00 GMT
Leighton Meester thinks 'Gossip Girl' is a bad influence on young women.
01/19/2009 - Leighton Meester - "Gossip Girl" The actress is concerned the hit US TV show - which has been criticised for being too sexual for its audience - could have a negative impact on impressionable teenage viewers. © Janet Mayer / PR Photos
The actress is concerned the hit US TV show - which has been criticised for being too sexual for its audience - could have a negative impact on impressionable teenage viewers.
She explained: "Young girls shouldn't do what we're doing on the show. Young women shouldn't follow the crowd. I've learned that this is the best way to get ahead."
Leighton - who plays the feisty character Blair Waldorf in the popular show - has urged young people to have the confidence to make their own decisions in life.
She added to Britain's OK! magazine: "If you're just yourself, you can't do any wrong because people will like you for who you are and you'll become successful doing what you like to do. If you follow your heart, respect others and accept your imperfections, life's a lot easier and more fun."
Meanwhile, the star revealed she loves starring alongside Ed Westwick, who plays her on-screen love interest Chuck Bass.
She explained: "Ed Westwick is my favourite person to work with. It's usually quite tough between Blair and Chuck, so when we get something more sensitive to play, it's fun for us."
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