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Gossip Girl then and now: see how much the cast has changed over the years

And how much has Gossip Girl changed? That's a secret she'll never tell...

gossip girl cast then and now
Francesca Shillcock
Senior Features Writer
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blake lively© Photo: Getty Images

Gossip Girl never gets old and we've been loving watching it from the beginning on Netflix. The popular drama stars some of TV and film's biggest names from Blake Lively to Penn Badgley as it focuses on a group of socialists and their often dramatic lives. Given the show began all the way back in 2007 and finished in 2012, running for six seasons, it's safe to say that the stars of the show have changed a bit over the years. Take a look through the gallery to see how the cast has changed since the hugely popular show was on our screens…

Blake Lively – Serena van der Woodsen

Blake Lively took the leading role in Gossip Girl as Serena van der Woodsen – the ultimate 'it' girl. Since the show, Blake has gone on to star in A Simple Favour and Green Lantern, where she met her now husband Ryan Reynolds – with whom she shares three daughters. Here's a fresh-faced Blake back in 2005, before her Serena days.

MORE: Modern Family: you won't believe how much cast have changed over the years

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Leighton Meester – Blair Waldorf

Playing Serena's frenemy Blair Waldorf is Leighton Meester. Leighton began acting back in the early noughties and appeared in many shows before starring in Gossip Girl. The actress has since had a successful music career and is currently starring in sitcom Single Parents. Check out this throwback to 2003!

MORE: Blake Lively's hair transformation will blow your mind

penn badgley© Photo: Getty Images

Penn Badgley – Dan Humphrey

Since appearing as Dan Humphrey, Penn Badgley has enjoyed success in Netflix's chilling drama You as Joe Goldberg. Given his early career in TV beginning in the late nineties, Penn has certainly matured over the years. Here's a baby-faced Penn back in 2003 – aw!

Keep clicking for more photos...!

chace crawford© Photo: Getty Images

Chace Crawford – Nate Archibald

Chace Crawford played Nate in the show, Blair's childhood sweetheart and the boy all the girls were after. Since the show, he's gone on to enjoy success in other shows and films including What to Expect When You're Expecting, alongside Jennifer Lopez. We can't help but think that Chace has only improved with age…

ed westwick© Photo: Getty Images

Ed Westwick – Chuck Bass

Chuck Bass was the bad-boy of the Upper East Side's crew played by British actor Ed Westwick. Ed has appeared in other films such as Chalet Girl and J. Edgar alongside Leonardo Di Caprio. Here's a baby-faced Ed back in 2006 just before Gossip Girl began.

taylor momsen© Photo: Getty Images

Taylor Momsen – Jenny Humphrey

Before Taylor joined Gossip Girl as Dan Humphrey's younger sister, Jenny, the actress and Pretty Reckless singer was perhaps best known as playing Cindy Lou Who in How the Grinch Stole Christmas next to Jim Carey back in 2000. How cute was she!

kelly rutherford© Photo: Getty Images

Kelly Rutherford – Lily van der Woodsen

Serena's mum Lily was played by Kelly Rutherford. Aside from Gossip Girl, Kelly is best known for appearing on sitcom Melrose Place in the late nineties and, more recently, appeared in the reboot of popular show Dynasty.

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Connor Paolo – Eric van der Woodsen

Connor Paolo played the role of Eric van der Woodsen, Lily's son and Serena's younger brother. Connor has since appeared in films such as Outlaw and Friend Request.

yin chang© Photo: Getty Images

Yin Chang – Nelly Yuki

Yin Chang plays Nelly Yuki, a member of Blair's exclusive clique. Yin also appeared in popular teen drama film Prom and shows like Law & Order.

dreama© Photo: Getty Images

Dreama Walker – Hazel Williams

Another one of Blair's followers was Hazel Williams played by Dreama Walker. Here's Dreama looking fresh-faced back in the day, but looks just as gorgeous today. The actress has since gone on to appear in TV shows and films such as Quentin Tarantino's film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

amanda setton© Photo: Getty Images

Amanda Setton – Penelope Shafai

Leader of the pack is Penelope Shafai played by Amanda Setton. Since Gossip Girl wrapped, Amanda has gone on to star in films such as Sex and the City and What Happens in Vegas, as well as popular TV show General Hospital.

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