Hairspray star Nikki Blonsky has been handed an early 20th birthday treat - a starring role in hit TV show Ugly Betty.

The actress, who turns 20 this weekend, will play an assistant at fashion bible Elle, who befriends the show's title character.

Blonsky has only signed on for one episode, but producers insist there could be more.

Blonsky joins Lindsay Lohan, Victoria Beckham, Naomi Campbell and Lucy Liu, who have all guested on the hit series.