Ashley Tisdale has ruled out reprising her High School Musical character Sharpay over fears that she would “ruin it”.
The 36-year-old actress made her debut as the wannabe star in 2006’s High School Musical, alongside Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens and Corbin Bleu, and returned for the 2007 and 2008 sequels.
However, she confirmed she has retired the iconic character, as she feels she’s too mature to play Sharpay.
“I just feel like I wouldn’t be able to really do that again and give it justice,” she told Entertainment Tonight.
Ashley last portrayed Sharpay in 2011’s Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure, but now she’s done with the high school student, and wants to focus on other projects.
“I think at that moment in time, I was very unaware of myself and my surroundings, and I feel like that’s a big part of Sharpay.
“She is just not really aware, and so as I grew up and became more aware, I think that it’s just something that it wouldn’t be the same,” the new mum added.
Ashley also worried that the fans would be disappointed if she was to reprise Sharpay for one last time.
“It’s so good, and it’s like, for me, I would hate to ruin something that is perfect for that moment, and yeah, I don’t think I could go back to it,” she added.
There are currently no plans to shoot a sequel to High School Musical, however the Disney+ series High School Musical: The Musical: The Series , has been a huge success, and stars Olivia Rodrigo.
Despite retiring her High School Musical character, Ashley is still in touch with her co-star Vanessa Hudgens, and the women have developed a really close friendship since appearing alongside each other in the Disney Channel film more than 25 years ago.
“We just have a connection and she’s so awesome and one of my best friends,” Ashley told Us Weekly.
“What I love about her is that she’s so talented, and I think what we share is that we’re really grounded people and I think that that’s important, especially with what we do, is to stay grounded.”
Since making her debut as Sharpay, Ashley has gone on to star in TV shows including Merry Happy Whatever, and Carol’s Second Act.
The singer/actress wed Christopher French in 2014, and the couple welcomed their first child, daughter Jupiter, in March.
She recently spoke about how her mental health has improved since becoming a mum, and said she finds motherhood “freeing”.
“Mental health is not something that just goes away. Your anxiety and stuff is always going to be there at times, and so, yes I'll probably have moments, but I'm not scared of them anymore, so that's what's the best, you know? That's like the best place to be in."
