TLC has signed up Kate Gosselin for a new reality series that will feature her "trying new things" without Jon or her brood, TheWrap.com reports. The reality star and her new litter of hair extensions has been reclaimed by the network "because they are worried if they don't do it with Kate, someone else will," according to a shady-sounding unnamed source.

The new show, which is slated to debut in late spring/early summer, will supposedly have an "interactive" factor in which viewers can suggest new challenges revolving around Kate trying various different professions. I'm picturing something kind of like "The Simple Life," only set on a farm for one week, then a restaurant the next, and perhaps a hardware store after that. I'm sure there will be plenty of fame-mongering businesses that would love to have her around. No fashion-related jobs, please, though -- for all our sakes.

The show is unnamed as of yet, but hopefully will be titled something like, "Kate For Hire," or "Working Mother of Eight," or "Jon Doesn't Pay Child Support." I'm going to make a totally wild prediction that the series ends with Kate getting "challenged" to host her own talk show, and then...she gets hired! Pure conjecture, though.

Just when Kate Gosselin was starting to win her media battle, Vanity Fair published this article, which details her whirlwind press tour around New York in August (see her backstage on "The View," above). Her publicist and bodyguard squire her around the city, discouraging her from doing things like going to Nobu a mere few hours after sobbing during an on-camera interview. Granted, Jon Gosselin hasn't been doing himself any favors in the public eye; their TLC publicist complains, "He's gone rogue...I can't control him." After reading about Kate stomping on a small boy's foot in three-inch-heels at FAO Schwarz (and barely stopping to apologize), it's pretty hard to take anyone's side. I am, however, looking forward to hearing about Kate Gosselin wig sales.

How desperate is Jon Gosselin to hang on to his fame? So desperate he's willing to submit to televised tongue-lashings from the likes of Real Housewife Bethenny Frankel and vile law harpy Nancy Grace.

Meanwhile, a sign that Gosselin has really made it: his demonization in an upcoming epsiode of "Law & Order."

"The Oct. 16 episode -- titled 'Reality Bites' -- centers around a reality show, 'Larry Plus 10,' which documents the struggles of a single dad who's raising 10 adopted special needs kids by himself -- after his wife, Joy, is bludgeoned to death."

Rumor has it, Jon himself was up for the role of "Larry," but had to skip the audition due to a body spray injury.

Hmmm. Not long after TLC's announcement that they'd be relaunching "Jon & Kate Plus Eight" as "Kate Plus Eight," Jon Gosselin has lawyered up and banned any production crews from the Gosselin McMansion (see the "Insider" scoop from this morning's "Early Show," above).

So maybe Jon didn't want to get kicked off the show after all. Or maybe he's actually a stand-up guy who's finally realized that his kids could use a little break from showbiz. Either way, count on Jon to give his version of events early and often. The guy ain't giving up the spotlight this easily.

Above: Jon Gosselin's next project?

Nice try, Jon Gosselin! If you thought all your public carousing with Lohans, creepy Euros and nubile twentysomething airheads would embarrass TLC into releasing you from your boring reality show so you'd have more time to "host" horrible pool parties and smoke cigarettes on your ATV, you...were right, it turns out. According to The Hollywood Reporter, TLC plans to relaunch "Jon & Kate Plus Eight" as "Kate Plus Eight" in November.

TLC says the new show will "include a deeper focus on Kate's role in the family and her journey as a single mother building the next chapter in her life. TLC will continue its exclusive relationship with Jon Gosselin and he will continue to appear on the show, but on a less regular basis."

Good to know TLC stlll retains their "exclusive relationship" with Jon. Just in case they want to do a line of body sprays or industrial-strength condoms somewhere down the line.