Glee's Jayma Mays on filming Cory Monteith tribute episode, her shock exit and new show The Millers

Following the tragic death of Cory Monteith during ‘Glee’s summer filming hiatus there’s been huge speculation about both the new series and upcoming tribute episode. Actress Jayma Mays, 34, who made her name playing obsessive guidance counsellor Emma Pillsbury on the smash show, told Yahoo TV about the mood on set, her shock exit and excitement over her latest project…

What’s it been like filming Glee after the sad loss of Cory? Can you tell us much about the upcoming episode dedicated to him and his character Finn?
I can only speak for myself but as I’m now a guest character I hadn’t been on set a lot and then I was back recently filming the tribute episode. It’s honestly been one of the most difficult things I’ve ever had to do and I hope I never have to do something like it again.

It was nice being there with the cast and crew who are like family to me, but we were very aware that we were missing a friend. We’ve pulled together like anyone who has lost someone and been in that very difficult position. It was very strange filming around it. The tribute episode itself is top secret I think, we’ve been asked not to talk about it.

[ACTRESS SNUBBED from Glee tribute episode]

What’s in store for Emma and Will this season?
Contractually I’m only allowed to do a couple more episodes, which seems insane for me. Whether it’s just for this season is a good question, but I assume it’s for ever and they’ve got to figure out a way for Emma to exit the show.

I’d definitely love to see Emma and Will together when I go but I don’t know what (the writers) are thinking of or what plans Matt (Morrison who plays Will) has, it’s a tricky one. She’s been in love with Will since the pilot episode and it’s been great to see their story come full circle.

What will you miss about Emma?
I’ve absolutely adored playing her. I love the fact that there’s light to her as well as all her anxieties and she’s grounded. She’s a very multi-faceted character with real flaws and to be able to play someone so complex, especially as a woman, is very lucky.

I’m going to miss her so much but part of life is moving on and evolving and the ‘Glee’ producers are introducing new characters which is great for the show. It is very sad but all good things have to come to an end.

[Buy GLEE on DVD]

Any favourite numbers from the show?
Matt and I did a song together last season where we sang the Frank Sinatra classic ‘You’re All The World to Me’. It was filmed in a special box set that rotated so Matt was running on the walls and ceiling and that was a career highlight. I remember thinking as we shot it that this was something I’d never get the chance to do again.

Your new show ‘The Millers’ launches soon in the UK. It’s a comedy series about divorcee Nathan, a local news reporter, whose own marriage split leads to his parents’ marriage dissolving. What first attracted you to the project?
It’s got such great names behind it, including director James Burrows (who’s worked on ‘Cheers’, ‘Frasier’, ‘Friends’ and ‘Will & Grace’) and he’s a legend so of course that was a factor. Plus the cast list (including Beau Bridges and ‘Arrested Development’s Will Arnett) is just amazing, crazy A-list, and it’s very funny. Will plays Nathan and I play his sister Debbie.

I grew up watching ‘Cheers’ and Shelly Long was one of my favourite actresses so it’s very surreal for me to be working with James – I have to pinch myself! I wanted to challenge myself after being known for a single character for such a long time and ‘The Millers’ is something totally different – a multi-camera comedy show.

Debbie seems the complete opposite of Emma…
Well Emma liked everything ‘just so’ and Debbie has nothing in order and is sarcastic and dry. Her business, a yoga café, isn’t running smoothly and her dad (Beau Bridges) moves in with her. Nothing in her life is going according to plan!

You’re married to an English actor (Adam Campbell). Do you spend much time in the UK?
I guess I should describe myself as an Anglophile! We try to come over as much as we can but it’s not always easy – at least once a year. Adam’s family live in Bath and it’s the most stunning city I’ve ever been to. The first time I visited there was at Christmas and it was so picturesque, just like a Charles Dickens’ novel.

Is it true your career started at the age of 15 reading obits on local radio in Virginia?
Yes strangely enough that is true. The station hired me at a young age and I thought I’d be running errands and getting coffee but they put me on the air. It was my first step towards Hollywood – if a little bizarre!

The Millers premieres on Comedy Central from Monday 14 October 14 at 9.30pm