'Hills' star inks deal with Mark Burnett

"The Hills" has lost another resident.

Audrina Patridge is leaving the show after its upcoming fifthseason, exiting MTV's popular soap for a new deal with Mark BurnettProds.

Burnett's proposed new series will follow Patridge's personal andprofessional life. The show will be pitched to networks startingnext week.

"We are truly pleased to have the chance to work with Audrina,"Burnett said. "She has already proved her star quality, and wecan't wait to show her fans worldwide the next stage of her lifeand career."

Patridge's exit follows the recent announcement that "Hills" starLauren Conrad is likewise leaving the series. With "Hills"performers' contracts up and Conrad and Patridge out, there'sspeculation that MTV will either end the show after next season orat least give the show's cast and focus a significant shake-up.

"We cannot confirm a sixth season at this time," an MTVspokesperson said when asked about Patridge's departure. "However, 'The Hills' will continue as long asthere are stories to tell, and as of now we don't see an end insight."

Without Conrad and Patridge, "The Hills" is just not going to be the same show. Perhaps instead of doing a Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt spinoff, as long discussed, perhaps the couple will take over "The Hills" brand. Given the show's ratings, MTV is probably reluctant to let the show's title get retired, even without its lead performers. The 10-episode fifth season of "The Hills" premieres March30.

Burnett will exec produce the new project; Patridge and Gladys Gonzalez areattached as producers. Patridge is repped by APA, Gonzalez of John Carrabino Management andLarry Kopeikin.