Starz Developing 'Pussy Valley' Drama from Playwright Katori Hall

At today's Starz Television Critics Association (TCA) presentation at the Beverly Hilton, Starz President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Albrecht announced the series development of "Pussy Valley." The scripted, one-hour drama takes an unflinching and unapologetic look at the lives of pole dancers working down in the Dirty Delta.

Creator and writer Katori Hall (The Mountaintop, Hurt Village, The Blood Quilt) will executive produce "Pussy Valley" with Chernin Entertainment's Peter Chernin ("New Girl," Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, The Heat); Jenno Topping (Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Spy, Charlie's Angels); and Dante Di Loreto ("Glee," "American Horror Story," "The Normal Heart"). Khaliah Neal (3 1/2 Minutes, Ten Bullets, Hard World for Small Things, "Famous Farrah") will serve as consulting producer.

Sydney Penny Joins 'Pretty Little Liars' Cast

Photo Credit: Michelle Leonard

ABC Family has confirmed that two-time Daytime Emmy nominee Sydney Penny will recur on Pretty Little Liars later in Season 5. She will play Leona Vanderwaal, the woman who brought Janel Parrish's mysterious character into the world. There's no word yet on when Penny will make her debut.

Penny's previous serial roles include Julia Santos on All My Children, Dr. Liv Norman in Days of our Lives, Samantha Kelly on The Bold and the Beautiful, B.J. Walker in Santa Barbara, and Josie Oliver on Beverly Hills, 90210.