Jessica Sula talks about the auditions process

WHEN Jessica Sula got tongue-tied at her audition for cult TV hit Skins, she thought she'd blown her chances of appearing on the show.But despite her nerves, the pretty Swansea actress breezed through the open auditions, beating thousands of teen hopefuls to the role of Grace.Jessica, 16, is one of the new breed of actors and actresses joining the E4 show, which is completely recast every two years, and is looking forward to seeing the results of filming on screen.Although she admits she's still pinching herself that she ever won the leading role in the first place.Jessica said: 'It hasn't really sunk in to be honest but the moment the producer rang to tell me I had the job, I was so excited, especially after the first audition, when I didn't say a word.'I'd been on the E4 website and saw about the open audition in Bristol and I just thought, 'Why not?' It was a Saturday and I asked my dad if he'd take me on the Monday and then I had to queue for five hours before I was seen.'There were thousands of people there and I didn't really think I stood a chance.'We had to go into a room and do some improvisation but, as soon as it started, everyone was talking over everyone and I honestly didn't say anything.'So when I got called through to the next round, I couldn't really believe it.'But eight auditions later, Jessica was chosen as Grace, and she admits it was the most fantastic feeling.'I was so chuffed. I've wanted to be an actress for a long time. I used to love performing at school and did a couple of courses with West Glamorgan Youth Theatre but this is my first real acting job.'And to get a role on a show like Skins, which is so fantastic, is the icing on the cake. I've watched it and always enjoyed it. It doesn't gloss over the gritty realities of teenage life. I've always wanted to be in it, but I had to wait until I was 16.'Grace is a lovely character to play. She is very sweet, cute and full of elegance and poise.'In a way, she is quite old-fashioned, a bit prim and proper but I'm sure there is another side to her.'I'm anticipating some sort of twist with her as she is a strong, comfortable woman, and teenage life is a bit of a rollercoaster so it'll be interesting to see how she copes with things.'I suppose there are elements of Grace in me. Perhaps it was because I was so quiet in that first audition!'