For every young actor who makes it big on a children’s show, there ultimately comes a time when they have to shed their teen star past if they want to have any hope of a long and fruitful career. And for Ashley Tisdale, who made a name for herself with the young ‘uns in 2005 on the Disney Channel hit The Suite Life of Zack & Cody , that time is now.

Insiders have been whispering to OK! that Ashley, who just turned 23 on July 2, was getting restless after three years of playing the part of Maddie Fitzpatrick on the show, and that she was looking to leverage her success in the High School Musical movies into starring film roles and a hit singing career.

When reached for comment on this story, a Disney Channel rep tells OK! exclusively that production on the original Suite Life shows has indeed shut down and that, while the rest of her co-stars will be on board when a spin-off of the show, The Suite Life on Deck, premieres this fall, Ashley will not be a part of the cast — though she has shot at least one guest-starring appearance on the show.

Sources tell OK! that Ashley is hoping to spice up her squeaky clean image and land some more “racy” and “edgy” roles — similar to what Jessica Biel did when she left 7th Heaven and went from goody-two-shoes to sex symbol almost overnight.

But Ashley isn’t leaving her ‘tween fans behind completely. In October, they can all line up around the block to see her and her fellow East High students on the big screen in the highly anticipated film, High School Musical 3: Senior Year.

Source

WENN