Schoolgirl to siren: Glee's Lea Michele goes from on-screen geek to red carpet glamour at show's premiere party

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGz9gpYuIjsendofvid
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By Georgina Littlejohn

Schoolgirl to sex bomb: Actress Lea Michele, who plays Glee club member Rachel Berry, is a far cry from her prim and proper on-screen character


She plays an annoying, tenacious, opinionated geek who has a penchant for pleated skirts, buttoned-up blouses and knee-high socks.

So it's little wonder actress Lea Michele couldn't wait to shed her prim and proper on-screen persona and slip into something a lot sexier.

Lea, 23, who plays songstress Rachel Berry in the popular comedy series Glee, looked gorgeous and glamorous in a floor-length silk maxi-dress as she arrived at a party for the show in Los Angeles last night.

Although none of them were on display last night, Lea recently revealed that she has nine tattoo concealed about her person, proving even more she couldn't be less like her on-screen alter ego.

She joined her co-stars at the bash at the Bar Marmont in West Hollywood for the Glee Spring Premiere Party to celebrate the return of the smash-hit show to our screens.

And the cast lived up to the show's name as they partied at the bar inside the exclusive Chateau Marmont Hotel.


Revealing: Lea flaunts her assets in her low-cut dress as she perfects her pout for the cameras


Glee club geek: Lea Michele as Rachel

They and other specially-invited guests were also given a first look at the new episode on a big screen outside the venue.

Lea was joined by co-stars and fellow Glee club members Amber Riley, who plays 'diva-in'training' Mercedes Jones, 24, who constantly battles with Rachel for the lead vocal.

Also there was Dianna Agron, 23, who plays pregnant ex-cheerleader Quinn Fabray and Cory Monteith, 27, who stars at Finn Hudson, the fictional William McKinley High School's star quaterback, the lead male vocal in the glee club and initially thought to be the father of Quinn's unborn child.

Matthew Morrisson, 31, who plays Spanish teacher and Glee club coach Will Shuester, was also in attendance as well as Jessalyn Gilsig, 38, who plays Will's estranged wife Terri.

The show's cheerleaders- know as the Cheerios - and Glee members Britney and Santana, played by Heather Morris, 23, and Naya Rivera, also 23, respectively, joined them on the red carpet, as well as Jenna Ushkowitz, 23, who plays Tina Cohen-Chang.

For those that haven't witness this latest TV phenomenon, Glee is a comedy series about a high school show choir know as glee club and their daily battles as they prepare for sectionals and fight off bullies - mostly the cheerleaders and footballer players - who mock them on a daily basis, usually by throwing a large slushy drink in their faces.


Former sweethearts: Dianna Agron and Cory Monteith who play Quinn Fabray and Finn Hudson


The first series was split in two with 13 episodes having already been shown around the world which not only brought massive critical acclaim but a huge cult following.

The second part of series one airs in the US tonight and starts back on E4 in the UK next Monday night at 9pm.

The first part ended on episode 13 and saw the glee club, who are called New Directionals, win a show choir competition.


Mr and Mrs Glee: Matthew Morrisson and Jessalyn Gilsig who play Will and Terri Schuester


The first half of series one was released on DVD in the UK yesterday and both soundtracks to accompany the show are also available to buy.

Fans of the show have been buzzing about the show's return and have been throwing parties in its honour.

But some went one step further and arranged a Glee flashmob event, that took place all around London yesterday


Cheerios: Glee's cheearleaders Britney (L) and Santana, played by Heather Morris and Naya Rivera


Choir girls: Amber Riley and Jessica Ushkowitz, who plays Mercedes and Tina, arrive at the party

Meanwhile, to celebrate the show's DVD release, Twentieth Century Fox are celebrating the DVD release by launching a search for the best UK glee club!

If you think your club has what it takes, upload its best routine to www.youtube.com/gleedvduk.

A panel of expert judges including cast members from the Wicked stage production including Lee Mead will choose the winner, and the club who wins will be given a once-in-a-lifetime chance to perform on London’s West End.
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