Singer and reality TV star Jessica Simpson has inked a deal with ABC to develop and star in a sitcom for the network, Variety reports.

Simpson would possibly play a character based loosely on herself, a sexy pop star who has maintained her good-girl image and become an American sweetheart.

The project is being targeted for fall 2004.

The news about 23-year-old Simpson's deal with ABC comes on the heels of CBS signing a comedy pilot deal with 16-year-old actress-singer Hilary Duff as part of the major networks' stepped-up efforts to attract younger viewers.

Simpson has already found success on TV with the reality show "Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica," in the midst of shooting its second season. The MTV show follows the lives of Simpson and her husband Nick Lachey as they deal with married life and their separate pop star careers.

Simpson's other acting experience includes a recurring role on Fox's "That '70s Show."