Dana Delany: 'I never expected to be a role model'

Dana Delany has confessed that she never expected to become a role model.

The Body of Proof star revealed that she often finds herself giving advice to young female fans on Twitter and only recently realised how "hungry" teens are for guidance.

"I find strong women interesting because they tend to be complicated. I have a strong following of young girls who I give advice to, especially on Twitter, which I never expected. I didn't realise how hungry they were for a female role model," Delany explained.

"There are girls who want to know that it's okay not to get married and it's okay not to have children. We all have these stereotypes of what's expected, and I think it's been helpful for them to hear about somebody who went their own way. I feel like I've forged my own path."

Delany also spoke about the importance of finding time to herself despite her busy career, adding: "It's been a bit tough this year because I do work five days a week and 12 to 15-hour days. I think one of the things that women need to learn is to say 'No'. It's okay to say no once in a while."

Body of Proof will return for its second season on September 20 on ABC.