Filmed entirely in New York and based on the popular series of young-adult novels by Cecily von Ziegesar, Gossip Girl revolves around the privileged prep school teens on Manhattan’s Upper East Side and the anonymous blogger, Gossip Girl, who provides them with the latest gossip about their exclusive circle.

For Matthew Settle, one of the stars in the series (Rufus), working in New York is right up his alley. "I’m a huge fan of living in New York and I liked the script. It’s kind of a dream, being surrounded by good artists and writers. It makes the show just fantastic."

For him, his role provided a kind of crash course in parenting, which isn't at all bad considering he and his wife are currently thinking about having their own bundle of joy in real life.

Settle appreciates the "big picture" feel of the show, and the fact that Gossip Girls portrays "real relationships" between these people in a fictional world. He's not too fond of his own character though. "I think he’s not such a good guy. I tend to be very loving.”

Gossip Girls has become a guilty pleasure for many, including Matthew, "I even watched four or five sports at first and now this (TV show) is first.”

What fascinates people about this ritzy world? "I think it is the ideal of the rich. They have all this opportunity and power that usually comes with the whole thing. It is hard for us to copy it for lack of knowing ourselves. We look for validation of ourselves. We look to the group for things, like 'are these shoes right', it’s kinda funny. It is symbolic of our disability.

"I think in the beginning we struggle to find our identity. For the show, it is like a brand. Then as we find our identity, as we grow up, you get the riddle as to why we are here and why we are alive: It is to be unique and to create our own spot in the world and to share that with our kids. But, you have to have kids who are willing to share that.”

The set of Gossip Girls isn't quite as tense as the scenarios played out by its cast. "It’s fun. I get to go to work and joke with the kids. Being with them is fun and it is like a real family. It is more relaxed. It's a really nice place to come and do your work. We can sit in our room and read or... I am learning guitar and starting to get the cords down."

Settle has filmed all over the world for various roles he has undertaken. Whether New York, Hollywood, or various locations all over Europe, there are still a few places he'd like to visit and film in. "I’ve lived in three or four places around Europe, but I’d love to shoot in Morocco or maybe somewhere in Africa as I haven’t shot there yet. I’ve also always wanted to go to Greenland or Antarctica -- those would be great places to shoot. I’d love to explore for the History Channel and go abroad and see the world. I’d love to work in Asia, Korea or Taiwan."

Speaking of traveling the world -- global warming is something on many people's minds. Settle talks about it. "I think it best to use caution and start thinking about our future and our children and our children’s children, so we need to start now. Our children are already being affected. We need to conserve our natural resources. We need to look after the world and find alternative answers." Amen to that.

Gossip Girls' season finale airs Monday, May 19th on the CW at 9 p.m. ET. The parting episode will feature Blair deciding to take matters into her own hands in dealing with the manipulative and evil Georgina Sparks (guest star Michelle Trachtenberg), to help keep her best friend Serena (Blake Lively) from a devastating reputation and life blow. Lily (Kelly Rutherford) prepares for her wedding day which is destined to be the Upper East Side’s social event of the year, even though Rufus is never far from her thoughts. Serena finally pours out her heart and the truth about her past to Dan (Penn Badgley), but will it prove to be too late to save their relationship? Find out when you tune in on Monday!

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3.25 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."