Yikes! You knew it was going to happen– the squeaky clean “High School Musical” franchise just got it’s first taste of dirt. Vanessa Hudgens’ representative confirmed that the nude pic circulating the net is indeed the 18-year-old “High School Musical” star. She joins the ranks of Britney Spears, Paris Hilton and other starlets who get attention for all the wrong reasons.

The cast is reportedly in tense negotiations for the next installment of the series, which will be a theatrical release. Does this taint the HSM series? Can a Vanessa-less HSM3 go on? Should Disney stand by the young actress? What will her boyfriend Zac Efron do?

Oh, the drama.

What Time Is It? Time for record ratings. (Photo: The Disney Channel).

Sharpay would think this is simply fabulous: Friday night’s much anticipated sequel to “High School Musical” bopped to the top of the ratings hit list to rank as the most-watched basic cable telecast of all time.

“HSM2″ was seen by 17.2 million viewers, according to the Disney Channel — numbers that easily rank it ahead of previous record-holder, ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” (16 million, last Sept. 23). That is truly astounding, especially considering that the original film was seen in its first airing by 7.7 million viewers. (And that was the Disney Channel’s most-watched program ever at the time).

Furthermore, “HSM2″ ranked as the most-watched TV telecast ever among Kids 6-11, and most-watched entertainment telecast ever in Tweens 9-14. Impressively, High School Musical 2 was TV’s most-watched Friday telecast (cable or broadcast) in more than 5 years.

It has been called “Grease” for the “American Idol” generation and it has made Disney boatloads of money.

Of course, we can only be talking about “High School Musical,” last year’s modestly produced Disney Channel movie starring Zac Efron and company that went on to hit the high notes across multiple media platforms.

Now, the inevitable sequel is upon us. “High School Musical 2″ makes its much anticipated debut this week (8 p.m. Friday, the Disney Channel) and we’ve got a cover story on it in today’s A&E section.

During the recent TV press tour in Beverly Hills, I had a chance to talk one-on-one with the “HSM2″ castmembers, as well as the director and writer — both Bay Area natives. Our story today looks back on the stunning success of the original film and delves into the making of the sequel.

In addition, I chatted with several young local fans, who do their best to explain why this franchise has so deeply resonated with them. Later in the week, we’ll have a review of the sequel, which shifts the action from East High to Lava Springs Country Club and introduces nine new songs. Hope you’ll check it out.