The CW Source

Ed Westwick: Shit hits the fan so to speak – it feels like it’s the climax. There’s a lot of things happening. Chuck’s left in limbo, as is Blair, as is Nate, of course. [Chuck] sees his best friend kind of saying he’s done with him. The girl he’s kind of into doesn’t want anything to do with him. She’s devastated and wants to leave. Everyone’s kind of in the same boat. This tightly-knit group of friends has suddenly just blown away, almost. I don’t know what’s next for Chuck. It’s going to be interesting to see what happens.

CW Source: A lot of fans in TV online forums say they watch Gossip Girl for Blair and Chuck – or just for Chuck. Given that it seems like the show started out heavily focusing on Dan and Serena, are you surprised by this? What is it about Chuck, and the whole Nate/Blair/Chuck triangle, that’s so compelling to viewers, do you think?

Ed Westwick: I think it kind of adds an interesting angle in regards to the whole Dan and Serena thing. [They're] rolling along nicely, a first love kind of thing. This triangle adds the kind of scandalous kind of controversial element to the show which is great. I think people kind of enjoy a scandal and they always say sex sells. I think the Nate/Chuck/Blair thing adds the more shady elements. Everyone enjoys having a little sneak peek at that.

CW Source: Are you a fan of Blair and Chuck? Do you think if they get together down the line she’d reform him… or would he end up corrupting her?

Ed Westwick: Everyone always says opposites attract, but they’re similar kinds of personalities. I don’t know – it’s kind of one of those dangerous chemical reactions. God knows. Whoever’s around, take cover. I think they’re both young people; their personalities are kind of forming. When I was 17 or 18, I changed a great deal in a year. I think at that age you’re still very impressionable, very easily influenced. Who knows, but they’re both strong people.

CW Source: Do you like Chuck’s wardrobe? His look is so unique -- his many scarves, his pink sweatervest (in last night's episode), his turtlenecks. He has some great outfits.

Ed Westwick: He does indeed. He’s quite a trendsetter. Eric Daman, the wardrobe guy, does a fantastic job. Every time we go to a fitting for upcoming episodes, I’m totally in awe of what he’s got. It really helps me. Chuck’s got such a strong dress sense.

CW Source: What’s the latest with your band, The Filthy Youth?

Ed Westwick: Our music aired on “School Lies.” It came out sounding good; I was pleased. We’re here in London; we’ve been playing a lot of shows. Hopefully we can kind of get out to NY -- music can’t do too much here. [We'll] get the guys out there and see what we can do.

Check out Ed's band at myspace.com/thefilthyyouth.

CW Source: So you're in London now, but while Gossip Girl films, you're living in New York. What are your favorite places to hang out there? Was it an adjustment moving, or did you feel at home right away?

Ed Westwick: I was worried about that at first -- moving to a new country, new culture. I was really surprised and really pleased because it kind of just all came together very well. It's not like moving to a country and not doing anything and trying to find a job. My time was structured and I was busy; it was made easy.

I like Greenwich Village a lot. It seems very vibrant and fun. East Village is where all the young people talk about. The artsy music scene, etc. Either of the villages is cool. I just have fun strolling around, stumbling upon cafes and things.

I’m in London at the moment. I’m going to be back here for a little bit longer.

CW Source: Do you have many fans in London? Have you been recognized often?

Ed Westwick: People have recognized me a few times here, but the show’s not out here yet. It’s coming in February or March.

CW Source: Let's talk New Year's resolutions. What do you think Chuck should resolve for 2008?

Ed Westwick: [To] give up drinking.

CW Source: I don’t think he could stick to that.

Ed Westwick: I think he probably broke that January 2. Maybe don’t have sex with your best friend’s girlfriend. Maybe that. I think he’s got the attitude where he’ll take as he pleases. He’s not too considerate of anything else.

CW Source: What about you?

Ed Westwick: I didn’t, because I’m extremely weak. At the moment I don’t think I’m doing anything too bad, so I haven’t actually.

CW Source: Anything you'd like to tell your fans?

Ed Westwick: Thank you for all the support, everyone, and do your best to keep watching.