ABC FamilyBrace yourselves because there's a new drama debuting on ABC Family tonight and viewers will be sent on an addicting roller coaster ride of emotions.
However, if you think Chasing Life is just a show about cancer then you had better think again. Starring Italia Ricci, the drama follows April, a spunky yet highly relatable 24-year-old who is determined to make it in Boston as a well-respected journalist. She's intelligent, she's passionate, and, yes, she also happens to have leukemia.
"One of the best things about Chasing Life is that it's a show about a girl who's living life, but it just has a little side of cancer," Ricci exclusively shared with E! Online. "Cancer doesn't have to take over your whole world and that's something that April goes through in deciding not to let it have the power that it could."
Before she was cast in this role, Ricci had never had a "close, personal experience" with cancer and, like most of the public, tip-toed around the subject do the negative connotations. "It felt that the C-word was something that no one wanted to talk about, something that everyone is intimidated by," the 27-year-old actress explained.
Ricci, who fondly described her experience on the series as "enlightening," is hoping that Chasing Life will help introduce viewers to a different side of what it's like for some living with cancer. "When I read the script I knew that it was something really special. It's a story that I think a lot of people can relate to for one thing of another, not necessarily just about being ill."
Now that you know a bit more about the series, it's time to get to know the star who is bringing it all to life! We quizzed the brunette beauty on everything TV fans need to know, from her first celeb crush to her favorite small screen snack. Read on to get to know your new favorite ABC Family girl crush!
Nicknames: My boyfriend calls me Fatty. I don't know why, he just does! [Laughs.] In high school I was called Reech, Tals and one of my friends calls me Mom.
First Celebrity Crush: Devon Sawa. Little Giants all day. I didn't see Now and Then until I was older, I had pretty strict parents, but with Little Giants I was just like, 'Oh my God, I'm going to marry Junior!"
Any Hidden Talents: I can talk like there's a little person stuck inside my mouth. (Writer's Note: It's totally true and it's absolutely hilarious!)
Favorite TV Snack: Dill pickle sunflower seeds.
If Your Costars Had to Describe You In One Word, It Would Probably Be: OCD
If You Could Guest Star on Any Other ABC Family Series, It Would Be: Probably a comedy, let's say Baby Daddy.
Which Other TV Character Could You See Your Character Dating: Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams) from Suits.
How Many People Think You're Related to Christina Ricci? I think a lot, but I'm not, so we'll clear that out right now.
What the One Thing You Want to Tell Chasing Life Fans? I think just how much the cast and I really love each other. It really translates on camera and we really do get along so well. I think it makes for a much more enhanced viewing pleasure because it makes you guys feel like you're in it too. The ensemble energy is so warm and loving and happy and I'm so grateful to be a part of it.
Chasing Life premieres tonight at 9 p.m. on ABC Family.