Lea Michele has revealed that she was told she was “too ethnic” when she went to auditions.

The Jewish star, who plays the lead in Glee, also said casting directors told her she was not pretty enough.

But the 23-year-old said it was her admiration of another Jewish singer that helped win her the part of Rachel Berry.

“I met Ryan [Murphy, Glee’s creator] and we just had a great night talking about Barbra Streisand and our shared love for her.”

Earlier this month the actress said: "I've always been proud of my body, my Jewish nose and all of that.”

Watch Lea Michele take on a Barbra Streisand classic here