Suzanne Shaw blog: Being a celeb doesn’t help in auditions

This week I went for a TV audition (can't say what for). It was for the part of a prostitute in a popular comedy show!

In auditions it's very important you go dressed for the part. So needless to say, I didn’t use public transport for this one! The audition was going really well, then just before the end the casting director said, "Sorry Suzanne, could you read for the part of the wet nurse?'' That was a bit of a surprise! I obliged and toddled off for five minutes to practice and went back in to read. It was actually a very funny part and would be fab to play... Fingers crossed.

[Suzanne Shaw blog: Hear’say nostalgia and parent’s evening]
[Suzanne Shaw blog: My bizarre but brilliant musical and movie night with Corey]

People think that if you’re a celebrity you can just walk into any role. In actual fact, there will always be a heavily scrutinised audition process. For me, that's the best way because you really know when you deserve a job. It proves your ability but also that you're right for the role. Some of the biggest celebrity names have been knocked-back time after time, and instead, an unknown has been cast for the part. But the best person should always get the job, otherwise we'd be seeing the same faces on TV and no new talent coming through.

It can be hard to be knocked back. You need a lot of self-confidence. I would say that out of every ten auditions, you'd be lucky to bag one because you really do have a waiting room of talent to compete with. It doesn’t matter if you’re famous or not, at that point it really doesn't matter. It's a competitive industry.

I've been doing more ‘Dancing On Ice Tour’ promotion again this week, before the lead-up to going away at the end of the month, so I’m getting very excited about it!

[Suzanne Shaw blog: Dancing On Ice frustrations & my son's mussels obsession]
[Suzanne Shaw blog: I’m really gutted to leave DOI]

I'm cracking on with 'Eugenius', the 80's musical which I'm co-writing. It's really staring to take shape and I've even found myself singing along to some of the songs in the shower - I guess that's a good sign!

I’ve just got back from the best weekend with family and friends. It started with a visit from Noel, my old band-mate. He came over on Friday night to spend some time with us and we had such a giggle. Noel hadn’t used ‘Vine’ before, so he spent most of the evening trying to master the art of 6-second videos! Things got a little silly when he started using Dudley as his side-kick! There aren’t many people who make me laugh as much as Uncle Noel…You really need to take a look at his Vines on twitter @TheNoelSullivan.

I miss him when we don’t see each other for a while. He’s often on tour so it’s difficult to meet up, but we always manage to speak and remain great mates.

Corey spent the weekend away at his Dad’s and went to a wedding in Yorkshire on Saturday. He was an usher and looked so smart in his outfit and loved every minute of it – you can see the pride in his face in this picture with his sister!

Sam and I traveled up to Norwich to spend some time with his family, which was really lovely. We love going up to Norwich and it always feels good to get away from the madness down in London.

His mum and auntie took me out for a bit of retail therapy followed by a quick glass of wine! I left Sam watching the rugby at home with his Dad. Then we had a big meal with family and friends in the evening. His family are very similar to mine so I find it so easy with them.

The weekend finished with Matt’s birthday on Sunday night! We had a lovely meal in Richmond at the ‘Rock and Rose’ - such a great restaurant with amazing food. Matt had a great time although he did announce that he doesn't like a birthday because of getting older! But look at him… 27 again me thinks!

So all-in-all it was the perfect weekend to have before the tour - just what I needed. Friends and family, I love ‘em!!

Have a great week… I’m back to the ice now to learn some skating routines before the first show in Manchester next week!

Suzanne x