Our latest cover story goes to Elisha Applebaum who plays Musa in the new season of Netflix's 'Fate: The Winx Saga'. We chat to Elisha about her time on the show, behind the scenes gossip and people who inspired her to become an actress.

Who inspired you to become an actress?

Barbara Streisand in Funny Girl. She looked like she had so much fun when filming. I would watch that film on repeat thinking ‘I want to be just like her’.

Congrats on the success of ‘Fate: the Winx Saga’, what was the audition process like?

Thank you. The process was quite lengthy, there were quite a few different stages; First I had an in-person audition, then a group audition with Precious(Aisha) and other people who’d rotate roles in the room, then a chemistry read with Eliot (Terra), before she, Precious and I had a test photoshoot.

Why did you feel drawn to the character of ‘Musa’ and why did you decide to audition for this role?

Musa is a beautiful example of someone who I would’ve related to as a teenager. Her story in this series helps show young people that it’s okay to not understand yourself fully yet. It’s okay to feel like an outsider – it just means you haven’t found your crowd yet and right now is the most exciting time to be curious. It would’ve been amazing to see someone like Musa on my screen, reminding me of that when I was growing up. 

Your character is always transforming, did you have an input into her transformation and the clothes? 

Yes she is. I didn’t have much input but Musa is very defined as a character with regards to hair, makeup and costume. They did a great job in building that springboard for me to play off of.

What was the first day of filming like and did you instantly create a bond with everyone?

The first day of filming was nerve-wracking, but we were put to ease by the great people in the cast, and environment that the crew created. Our first day was at the ‘stone circle’, which is beside a beautiful waterfall that attracted loads of midges. By the end of the scene all of our hair was covered in them, and before they’d shout ‘action’ we’d have our head in our hands, so that the midges wouldn’t get in our mouths! 

Behind the scenes, what was it like? 

We would try and make every off-camera moment fun. Everyone was so grateful to be there, so we tried to make each day count.

How long did it take to shoot? 

It took 5 months. 

Musa of course, has to confront her past, to deal with the present life, what stood out to you when you were filming these scenes?

Musa goes to Alfea to learn to deal with the trauma of her past, and learn to control her magic. Her storyline is centred around letting go of the past in order to grow as a person.

Season 2 has started airing on Netflix, can we have a sneak peek of what to expect for people who haven't seen it?

Key words: Darker, edgier, empowering, heartfelt, scandal.