'Glee' inspires real-life glee clubs

Glee star Amber Riley has said that the series has inspired a resurgence in singing clubs in schools.

The actress plays Mercedes Jones on the Fox show and recently performed the national anthem at the World Series with her castmates. She told the Wall Street Journal about the programme's positive impact on music in schools.

She stated: "I can't even tell you the number of times kids have come up to me to say that they've started a glee club at their school.

"I think it's letting kids know that they have a voice, too - and if they want music back in schools, they don't have to rely on their parents; they can rely on themselves and make their voices heard."

Riley admitted that she is not aware if her own high school currently runs a glee club, adding: "I kind of had a life outside of high school. I was singing in background, singing in choir, studio work... There wasn't a glee club in my school, and if there was I sincerely apologise, I had no idea."

Earlier this week, the cast of Glee embarked on an autograph signing tour for the release of the show's first soundtrack.