She might play the Bible-bashing captain of the celibacy club in Glee, but Dianna Agron assures us that she’s nothing like her character in real life. Phew!

Still, the 23-year-old certainly has us convinced with acting in the E4 show – her on screen alter ego Quinn Fabray makes Mean Girls’ Ragina George look like Mother Teresa. For anyone who’s not tuned in yet, the series centres around the bitchy lead as she joins the ‘glee’ club's misfit students to try and win back the affections of her boyfriend… Trust us, it’s better than it sounds – the cast already have their mantelpieces heaving with awards. Luckily, though, Dianna found time to chat to Playboy about the show, her roommate and how she got her own back on the class bully…

Playboy: Okay, for people who haven’t tuned in yet, can you explain to us what a Glee Club is?

Agron: Well, it’s a club at high school. Glee clubs are performance-based and there is competition involved so schools will have a singing group and they will travel to compete. Some are more intricate than others, some involve a lot of dancing, some are more singing.

Playboy: Were you involved in one?

Agron: I wasn't in Glee Club at school but I did theatre and danced outside of high school. So I have definitely been artistic my whole life.

Playboy: Tell us about your character…

Agron: Sure, I play Quinn and she joins the Glee Club in the second episode and that is where the character really takes off. She is terrible, she is the meanest girl. She is captain of the cheerleading squad and the Celibacy Club. Her boyfriend is Finn, and her enemy is Rachel Berry [Lea Michele]. She is so much fun to play and nothing like myself in real life I have to add! But those are always the best characters to play - the ones that are completely different to you. There are some things that are happening with this girl and her religion. Some contradictory things, so it's fun.

Playboy: Were you anything like her at school?

Agron: (Laughs) Well, I'm Jewish, so that is different for starters first and foremost. We had some issues with that in the beginning. I had to ask some questions. My grandmother was not happy, (laughs) especially when she saw pictures with the cross. But in high school I was very non-confrontational, as I am today. I danced since I was three,  that led on to musical theatre and theatre. I loved high school but it was the best of times and it was the worst of times. I am sure everybody can relate to that. Although there are definitely the mean girls, thankfully, I was not one of them. I was just the target of some of them. But you prevail and you grow stronger and sometimes they send you a nice email to say 'Hey, you're doing ok.' And you can send one back going 'Hey, I remember when you were kinda mean to me.' And that feels good (laughs). I think there is a Quinn in most high schools.

Playboy: Yeah, the great thing about Glee is that everyone can relate to it…

Agron: That's true. The writers really show these diverse characters, nobody hits one note, everybody oscillates back and forth between real emotion and high school issues and other things that a lot of teens will pick up on I think.

Playboy: Give us a clue what happens to Quinn?

Agron: Well, luckily they have written me the most amazing scenes and storylines. She really gets a full range of emotions, some actually really challenging things happen to her and she is forced to deal with that and make a decision on which pathway to choose. And work out what is important to her.

Playboy: So you come from an acting and dancing background then…

Agron: I danced 20 hours a week outside high school, I was in honours classes. I really was too ambitious for my own good and was able to manage my time wisely. I did theatre in school and outside of school, had a job... It was incredible, I don't really know how I did it, but it prepped me for hours like this - so I guess it was a good thing!

Playboy: It must be great working with comic actress Jane Lynch…

Agron: It is incredible. The first day I met Jane I got really tongue tied. She said 'Hi, nice to meet you' and I think I ducked into the corner, I couldn't say another word to her the rest of the day. But she is the nicest woman, it is very hard to keep a straight face when she is opposite you. Especially with the lines that she says and facial expressions that she makes. She is hilarious.

Agron: You are on the precipice of huge stardom - are you ready for it?

Agron: Wow, thanks. As long as people are watching Glee I'll be happy. Just about 18 months ago we were filming the pilot, so all of this happening is just nuts for me. We are very happy with it all.

Playboy: So your co-star Lea Michele is your room mate in real life - how fun is that?

Agron: Very!

Playboy: Have you guys been getting into trouble together? Parties?

Agron: (Laughs) No trouble, we have been working really hard and we do play as well. It is all good fun.

Playboy: Do you have Glee viewing parties at your house?

Agron: (Laughs) We do actually! Every now and then. Everybody lives pretty close to each other so that is nice. I am having the time of my life right now. It is unbelievable.

Playboy: Finally, can you tell us something no one really knows about you?

Agron: Um, I like random, weird pets. I'm preparing to have a pet octopus but it's really hard because you have to prep the tank for three months.

Playboy: Really?

Agron: Yes, I'm really serious. I wanted some jellyfish but Octopusses are really cool the way they move too.

Playboy: Crikey – you better clear that with your roommate first! Thanks very much for you time, Dianna!

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