Jess Impiazzi has taken another step in trying to shake off the label of 'reality show star' as she opens more doors to be an actress.
The 33-year-old trained at stage school but found herself heading down the reality route for her big break on TV.
A stint on Ex On The Beach and time in the Celebrity Big Brother house meant that Jess was pigeon-holed and she has found it a long journey to being treated as a bone fide actress.
A Prime Video mockumentary, Keep Calm & Carry On, which has launched on the Amazon streaming service, has led her on a path to becoming a comedy star and she has told The Mirror that it took having "belief in herself" to help others have belief in her.
Jess told us: "I trained my whole life at theatre school on a full scholarship and I’m very proud of that.
"I worked so hard for it but in my early twenties I definitely lost my way which I talked about in my book ‘silver linings’."
Jess continued to describe the difficulties she has encountered: "I feel that reality TV is a hard label to shake but at the same time I am very determined and I absolutely love what I do and what I trained to do as an actor.
"I know that soon I’ll be known for that rather than a show made nearly ten years ago.
"I’m just grateful that I’ve managed to bring back belief in myself and therefore the belief in me from others and I’ll continue to keep my head down and work my butt off to continue living my dream."
Jess said that the mockumentary was a completely different experience to what she has been involved before.
The actress continued: "I’ve never been a part of a comedy series before so this was a totally new experience for me and I absolutely adored it.
"I was around such talented credited actors and comedians which means I never had a bad day and I was constantly laughing.
"I had most of my scenes with Harriet Thorpe and Curtis Walker and I could see the crew trying not to laugh and it gives you such a boost that what you’re creating will be well received.
"It’s such an honour to spend your days laughing and creating with such talented people."
Jess concluded: "I feel so lucky to have been part of this series and I’ve learnt so much from an amazingly talented cast and crew."
She is hoping that starring in Keep Calm & Carry On will propel her onto more acting opportunities as well as a second series of the comedy.
Jess said: "I really hope Keep Calm & Carry On gets renewed. My friend Kayleigh-Paige Rees produced the series and I know they’ve got some fabulous and hilariously funny plots up their sleeve so I’d love to see the show develop and continue.
"I’ve got some other great series’ out at the end of the year too so look out for that.
"I’m staying focused, continuing to audition and surround myself with good people who push me to continue working in the acting industry."
Keep Calm & Carry On is currently streaming on Prime Video.
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