Mary-Kate ditches Ashley for solo career

Mary-Kate-Olsen has decided to fly the nest; as is stepping out on her own for her first major acting role without sister Ashley.

The actress is set to star alongside Mary-Louise Parker, who plays the lead role of Nancy Botwin, in at least 10 episodes of the hit U.S. Show.

Mary-Kate is set to appear as Tara, a devoted Christian teenager living in the religious community of Majestic, who becomes a love interest for Silas (Nancy Botwin's son), who's played by Hunter Parrish.

The 20-year-old actress told the Hollywood Reporter:

"I'm thrilled to be a part of the show.

It's really an honour to be a part of such a talented group of actors and writers."

Executive producer Jenji Kohan adds, "'Weeds' isn't your eight o'clock family fare. It's an adult show with adult subject matter, and we're confident Mary-Kate is right for the role.

"She came in and read with Hunter and was absolutely charming and real and seemed like a great fit. Audiences have seen only one side of Mary-Kate, but here we'll see her in a whole new light."