The Canadian actress, who landed her breakout role as Emily Fields on the teen drama series in 2010, has shared why she was nervous to take on the job. "When I booked the show, I knew I didn't have as much acting experience as the other girls.” Shay Mitchell / Byrdie. During her time on the show, Shay acted alongside co-stars, Lucy Hale, Ashley Benson, Troian Bellisario, and Sasha Pieterse. "A part of me was scared, but I knew I would eventually figure it out."