Ugly Betty star Ashley Jensen has applauded the makers of the hit show for making America Ferrera's character an "important role model for young girls".

The Scottish actress is convinced the geeky persona of lead character Betty, played by Ferrera, has changed people's expectations.

And Jensen has praised the show for highlighting "honest and true" qualities over superficial ones.

She says, "Betty's a hero now. People come up to me and say, 'I love that show. I love the message it's sending'."

"Betty is such an important role model for young girls. What she stands for is great. It's Ok to be real and honest and true.

"It's insane that we've all got to be thin, brown and perfectly groomed. People don't care about whether you're a kind or honest person."