When Shay Mitchell landed the role of Emily Fields on ABC Family’s Pretty Little Liars, she was living in Toronto, Ontario.  Just two months into the show’s run, it’s a take-off hit and Shay is taking it all in stride.  Now living in L.A., the Candian actress is among a hot new group of young women in Hollywood paving their way to success, and truly enjoying the ride.
PopStar recently caught up with Shay to discuss Pretty Little Liars, the book series it’s based on, and her high hopes for the character of Emily Fields.  We spoke just two days before she and her fellow cast members attended the 2010 Teen Choice Awards, where Pretty Little Liars took home the award for Choice Summer TV Show.

Let’s talk about the show Pretty Little Liars, which premiered on ABC Family on June 8th.  Can you tell us how you landed the role as one of it’s main characters Emily Fields?

Yes, I was living in Toronto at the time, when my manager sent me the breakdown of the character in the show.  I originally auditioned for Spencer’s character who is now played by Troian Bellisario.  I read for her and they still hadn’t found their Emily, so I thought “Emily’s a great girl” and I  read for her.  Then they flew me down to L.A.  to test for the network and the studio.  I found out that week that I had landed the role, so that was my entrance into Pretty Little Liars.

You list the book “Pretty Little Liars” as a favorite of yours.  Had you read the series by Sara Shepherd prior to this, or did you discover it through the T.V.  show?

Exactly, I discovered it after I got the breakdown – when I was flying back from L.A.  I had gotten a couple of the books, the first two.  I read them on the plane, and then I read through all of them, except the last one.  That”s the only one that I haven’t read yet.   I don’t want it to end.  It’s sitting on my bookshelf and I see it, but I haven’t read the last one yet.  I’m holding off.

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