Reality television star Nicole Richie, pictured 08 February 2007, pleaded not guilty to a charge of driving under the influence after she was stopped last year for going the wrong way down a freeway.(AFP/Getty Images/File/Bryan Bedder)

Socialite Nicole Richie was briefly hospitalised for dehydration on Friday after falling ill while filming the new season of her reality show The Simple Life.

The 25-year-old was examined by a doctor on the set of the show and she was then taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

According to entertainment website E! Online, she was given intravenous fluids for 15 minutes and then released.

After the incident, her representative said, "Nicole is home resting and will return to work this evening. We are proud of the weight that Nicole is gaining and her focus on her health."

Richie announced in October (2006) she was seeking treatment to help her gain weight.

The upcoming season of The Simple Life features Richie and best friend Paris Hilton working as camp counselors.