Rumer Willis was first choice to play Blake Lively's role in 'Gossip Girl'.

CW's casting director David Rapaport revealed that the network recommended Rumer - the daughter of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis - take on the role of Serena van der Woodsen, which eventually went to Blake, 28.

He told Buzzfeed: ''I think the network initially pitched us Rumer Willis for Serena.

''I love Rumer, she's grown into quite an amazing actress and person, but that, to me, was based on protecting the investment of a television show where creatively, these lesser-known girls really captured the essence of the show and carried it for six years.''

And David also revealed that Ashley Olsen was considered for the part of Blair Waldorf, which eventually went to Leighton Meester.

Speaking about others who tested for the show, he said: ''I read so many people. I think at the end of the day, we tested Blake, Katie Cassidy, who is now on 'Arrow', and this girl who was (Serena) on the 'Gossip Girl' book.''