Mitchell will appear when new episodes begin in January 2011, a show rep tells TVGuide.com exclusively. Her character will replace Blossom star Mayim Bialik, who currently plays the school counselor.

The 29-year-old actress is best known for her role as Lucy Camden on the wholesome family drama 7th Heaven.

What do you think of the casting news?

Last week, Ben balked at his father’s suggestion to wed Adrian (Francia Raisa) on The Secret Life of the American Teenager (Monday at 8/7c on ABC Family). The teen, however, may have a change of heart on Monday’s episode when the two go in for Adrian’s first sonogram.

“He definitely is not decided for sure,” Kenny Baumann, who plays Ben, tells TVGuide.com. “I think [seeing a sonogram is] an overwhelming experience for anyone, especially for a teenager. It’s times like that where he realizes the gravity of the situation. Ben’s kind of a neurotic guy. He’s always going to have the ‘grass is always greener’ portion of his brain ticking.”

But is it ticking enough for him to act on it after seeing his child for the first time?

“There’s a very expensive object in play,” Baumann teases. “It can be a ring. … It definitely has to do with Ben.”

Marrying Adrian might be — as her father says — the practical thing to do, but Ben’s heart still lies with Amy (Shailene Woodley), who’s still at a music camp in New York. After breaking the news of Adrian’s pregnancy to her two weeks ago, Ben has heard squat from Amy. But she has to come home eventually.

“We’ll see how much longer she tries to avoid him. The radio silence speaks volumes,” Baumann says. “It would be pretty tough for him to date her [while he's expecting a baby with Adrian]. It’d be hard for all four of them.”

The fourth is, of course, Ricky (Daren Kagasoff), Adrian’s ex and the father of Amy’s son, John — also the result of a one-night stand. Ricky jets off to New York to see Amy on Monday’s episode, much to Ben’s chagrin. Though Ben’s irked, Baumann says the teen won’t try to get back at them like he did in the Season 2 finale when he slept with Adrian, given the new circumstances.

“Before [the show goes on midseason hiatus], you’ll see Ben make some decisions and resolve some things for himself,” Baumann says. “He’s going to be a dad so he’s trying to be responsible. I think it’s great. This season has been my favorite arc for Ben and it’s just going to get better. I’m very excited. He’s young, but I think he’s going to make a great dad.”

Would he also make a great husband?

“Why not?” Baumann laughs. “He’s a good guy.”

c/o TVGuide

She has her own apartment in New York, which is awesome. However, she’s now realized that her special music program is just for teen moms and not necessarily because she’s talented.

Her boyfriend, whom she is in love with, is currently back at home going through pregnancy / possible abortion with her frenemy Adrian.

And if that’s not enough, her sons father is being seduced by her little sister albeit he’s not exactly pushing her off of him.

Amy may not be getting a lot of television time these past few episodes but when she comes home her entire world is going to fall apart.

Thoughts?

Who’s watching this with me?

“The Secret Diary of Ashley Juergens” starts out as a homework assignment from Principal Miller but it ends up being a cathartic exercise for wise-beyond-her-years Ashley. In the book, she details her feelings about her parents’ separation, her sister’s pregnancy, and her own place in the family.

In addition to Ashley’s take on what we’ve seen in the series, Hyperion promises the diary will also reveal a few secrets and answers to unanswered questions. They say the book will explore:
– What happened at Grace’s pre-med summer program?
– The mystery behind Ben’s trip to Italy and his Italian girlfriend.
– Did Madison and Jack hook up at their Dead Parents Club sessions?
– Insight about baby Robie joining the family.
– Amy’s real feelings for Ricky

“The Secret Diary of Ashley Juergens” will be released on June 15 to coincide with the release of The Secret Life of the American Teenager: Volume Four on DVD. Hardcover and 240 pages, the book retails for $16.99.

cred: buddytv

The story concerns a high school student (Park) with emotional problems who develops a crush on a teacher (Charvet). The student’s extremes to get the teacher’s attention result in serious consequences.

I, For one, am very excited to see what is about to happen and am hopeful Adrian is pregnant with Bens baby. Both characters need some stability on the show and this will bring them that. Plus it will be interesting how their characters grow with each other and above all it would give AMY and RICKY a chance to be together!!!

Look, that little moment that Ricky and Ashley had was nothing more than an I care about what you do moment, nothing sexual. I do however think Ashleys boyfriend showed a side of jealousy that could lead to abusive problems down the line. She needs to run away from him ASAP and I don’t mean to Ricky.

I’m really hopeful that Ricky and Amy can give things a shot but with new shows not until June and Amy planning on returning to band camp sans Ricky I’m just not sure its going to happen anytime soon.

But I can always hope.

Oh and Jack and Grace, stop teasing the storyline. Madison has really been shining this season and was amazing during the last episode she needs to stay relevant in this show and honestly we’ve been through your guys ups and downs too many times already!

What do you guys think?

Luckily she came to her senses as the mediator was making his decision, which was ultimately in Ricky’s favor anyway.

I’m still holding out hope that Amy and Ricky will be together one day but if they can’t I’m alright with them getting along and being the best parents they can be for their son.

What did you guys think of this episode?

Enter Bristol Palin

Our lovely Bristol Palin will be joining the cast during the summer season of Secret Life, playing one of Amy’s friends at a band camp.  My only hope is Bristols mother doesn’t pop in to let Amy know she can see Russia from her house.  I am very hopeful this is just a cameo.