Robert Buckley Heads to One Tree Hill

One Tree Hill fans were less than thrilled when they learned that Chad Michael Murray and Hilarie Burton would not be returning to the series for its seventh season. Faced with a major shortage of hotties for next season, the CW did what any good network would do -- they went out and found themselves a new hunk to help fill the void....

According to The Hollywood Reporter, former Lipstick Jungle star Robert Buckley has signed on as a regular for season seven of One Tree Hill. Buckley will play Clayton, a "brash young sports agent who represents Nathan Scott (James Lafferty) and has become a close friend, ally, business partner and advisor."

Rumor has it that the series, which has already taken a giant leap forward in time, may take another (smaller) leap next season. The series has managed to climb higher in the ratings over the last couple of season, but will the loss of Murray and Burton be the beginning of the end for One Tree Hill? On the flip side, is it possible that the series could prosper with this major change? Remember, series such as ER stayed alive for 15 years thanks in large part to the ever-changing cast. What do you think? Sound off below!

^{Photo: Copyright © NBC Universal, Inc./Nicole Rivelli All rights reserved.}