Most of us know Lucy Hale from her starring role in ABC Family’s teen drama Pretty Little Liars, but she once auditioned for a very different part. Hale read lines for the leading spot in the Fifty Shades of Grey film adaption and can now only describe the experience as “awkward” and “uncomfortable.”

The 25-year-old actress was one of the many Hollywood beauties rumored to be in line for the coveted role of Anastasia Steele. Steele is the main character in the steamy romance film surrounding a young college girl and a BDSM-inclined business mogul. In a recent interview with MTV News, Hale looked uncharacteristically awkward and shy while discussing the subject.

When asked what it was like to audition for such a role, she blurted out, “awkward,” before laughing. “It actually was just me [during the audition]. It was a two-page monologue of exactly what you would think it would be,” Hale said. “Very uncomfortable, but it was sort of one of those things where you just had to go for it or you’re just going to look lame.”

The actress also described the experience as “something I don’t want my grandmother watching” and “unlike any audition I have ever done before in my life.” Hale explained that she was looking for something controversial to do with her career and therefore decided to audition.

Once Upon a Time actor Jamie Dornan stars as Christian Grey alongside Ben and Kate star Dakota Johnson as Anastasia Steele in the 2015 film.

Hale is currently focusing on her new country album in addition to her time on Pretty Little Liars.

Image courtesy of Roger Wong/INFphoto.com