First News caught up with Zendaya Coleman, one of the stars of Disney's new smash hit show Shake It Up. 

What do you like most about acting?

I really like the fact that I can step into someone else’s shoes and just forget who I am. It’s nice to be someone else for a while.

What are your plans for the future?

I’d really like to continue with “Shake It Up” because it’s something that I really enjoy doing. I would also like to develop my music career.

I know you recently filmed with UK actress, Cat Deeley. What was it like filming with her?

She was so nice, she came on the set and was just really sweet to everyone. She was a really nice person to work with. She’s an incredible actress and I’d say it was one of the best experiences so far on the show.

If you and Bella had a dance-off, who do you think would win?

I think it would probably be a tie because even though I’ve been dancing a long time, Bella has come a long way since we started and she’s worked really hard.

What do you do for fun when you’re not working?

I like to lay in bed and just relax. I also like shopping with my mum and doing all the usual girly stuff, I like just being a normal kid when I’m not working.

We hear Justin Bieber is a big fan of the show, what would it be like to film with him?

That would be pretty incredible, he’s huge right now! It would definitely be an amazing experience – I would be great if it happened.

If you could have any guest star on the show, who would that be?

Besides Justin Bieber, I would say Raven Symone, from “That’s So Raven”.  She’s such a funny person and I know her personally, so I know she’s really nice and really kind.

As one of your friends, what do you think is Bella’s best quality?

Bella’s best quality is the fact that she has so much positive energy. She walks in to a room and you immediately know that she’s there, you can feel her positivity and it makes you want to get up.

Do fans recognise you? Do you have any funny stories to share?

Actually not yet, I haven’t had anything crazy happen which I think is quite good. Some people do notice me on the street, I give them my autograph and it’s nice, nothing crazy.

Do you have any role models?

Yes, my role model is Beyonce because she’s worked in all the different areas of the industry. She’s a talented singer, she’s been in movies and now she has her own fashion line - all things I’d really like to accomplish in the future.

How do you like to spend your holidays?

I really like to spend holidays with my family, they’re one of the most important things to me. When I’m with my family I can just let loose and be myself, I don’t have to worry about silly things like whether or not I have a pimple for instance.

If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why?

I would probably want to meet Michael Jackson, he’s such an inspiration. I really look up to his music talent and the way he entertained people. I think the way his music makes people want to dance is pretty incredible.

Do you think anyone can dance or do you need to be born with it?

I think anyone can dance. Dancing is a universal language, anyone can do it. It doesn’t matter if you’re just snapping your fingers or rocking backwards and forwards, whatever your version of dancing is, you should just go for it.

You have really great hair, were you born with it or does it take effort?

Thank you! Fortunately I was just born with it, but like everyone else, I have my fair share of bad hair days - my straightening irons definitely help a lot on those days!

Have you been surprised by the success of “Shake It Up”?

Yes completely. We all wished for it to be a success, and it’s what I always wanted, so it’s a dream come true really.

What do you think is the secret of its success?

I think “Shake It Up” is a show about real people living their dreams. I think kids can relate to it. I think they can really see themselves as one of the characters which is important. It’s great that they can learn from our experiences and just have a good time too.

If you don’t feel like dancing, what gets you in the mood?

For me it’s music. Whenever I hear music it’s really hard not to dance. I think music is kind of infectious, I start nodding my head then I just keep moving. All of a sudden I find myself free styling!

Is it difficult to learn the dance moves for the episodes?

Actually it’s not too difficult, sometimes it can be quite hard if we don’t have long to learn the dance moves because of the tight schedule, but I think it’s a fun challenge.

Do you like fashion? How do you like to dress?

I really like fashion. I like to dress in whatever I feel comfortable in. Sometimes I’ll wear a dress and other times I’ll just be in cargo pants, it just depends on how I’m feeling.