All the PLL fanatics are familiar with the fact that the series follows the lives of four teenage girls – Aria, Spencer, Hanna and Emily; four estranged friends whose darkest secrets are about to unravel. But do you know what happens behind the scenes? Probably not!. So, here we bring you a list of 35 unusual Facts about Pretty Little Liars and the star cast that will leave you amazed!

Emily’s first girlfriend Maya is Beyoncé’s stepsister. In the books, Emily is bisexual, not a lesbian. Ashley Benson (Hanna) was the one who suggested the show’s theme song “Secret” by The Pierces. Sasha Pieterse, who plays Alison, originally auditioned to play Hanna. None of the TV Liars looks anything like the character descriptions in Shepard’s book. In the book world, Aria has black hair and blue eyes, Spencer has dirty blonde hair and green eyes, Hanna has auburn hair and brown eyes, and Emily is a strawberry blonde with green eyes.. Ashley Benson’s (Hannah) first job was in a Domino’s Pizza commercial. Hard to imagine! Spencer’s birthday is 6/12/94 — according to a prescription bottle she has. Brant Doherty auditioned for both Ezra Fitz and Toby Cavanaugh before finally being cast as Noel Kahn. Sasha Pieterse was 12 years old when she landed the role of Alison DiLaurentis. It’s been alluded to in interviews that she got a little thrifty with her age in order to actually get the part, and by the time the PLL bigwigs realised how old she really was, she’d already shot the pilot. VERY Alison of her. Keegan Allen, who plays Spencer’s boyfriend Toby Cavanaugh, originally auditioned for the part of mysterious British doctor guy Wren Kingston. Oh! Shay Mitchell, who plays Emily, originally auditioned for the role of Spencer Hastings. Just imagine the swap! Aria has cheated on every boyfriend she’s had on the show. Couldn’t keep her hands off anyone, could she? Rosewood, Pennsylvania, where PLL takes place, isn’t actually a real town — it’s based on Rosemont, Pennsylvania, an affluent suburb near Philadelphia. Pretty Little Liars author Sara Shepard actually appeared on the show once — as substitute teacher Ms. Shepard for Aria’s class in the episode “The Homecoming Hangover” in Season 1. Betty Buckley, who plays Hannah’s sassy southern grandma Regina, is the sister of Pretty Little Liars director Norman Buckley. In addition to being an actor, Keegan Allen (Toby) is also a photographer. He’s got a book of his photos, titled love.beauty coming out in February 2015. Hale is also a fashion designer: She designed a limited edition collection for Hollister “inspired by California.” Lucy Hale’s first television appearance was on the reality singing competition show American Juniors in 2003. She finished in the top five and formed a quintet with the other winners. That led to television appearances and acting gigs with Drake and Josh and Wizards of Waverly Place. Shay Mitchell’s (Emily) real first name is Shannon. Tammin Sursok, who plays Jenna Marshalll, is originally from South Africa (though she grew up in Australia). Torrey DeVitto (Melissa Hastings) is a violinist. Troian Bellisario (Spencer Hastings) admitted she suffered from an eating disorder as a teenager. Lucy Hale had a major crush on a co-star. She told MTV that when the show first started she was crushing hard on someone in the show. “I’m very focused on what I do but there was this certain guy that I was acting like an idiot around. I was fumbling over my words, I was stuttering, I couldn’t focus, I couldn’t look him in the eye. I was just crushing so hard on him.” Hale’s Song “Lie a Little Better” is about said crush.

Ironically, Emily Fields’ nickname is Killer. Ian Harding (Ezra) and Julian Morris (Wren) are DJs. Chad Lowe, who plays Aria’s dad, used to be married to Hilary Swank. He’s also directed a bunch of episodes of PLL. Troian Bellisario has directed an episode of PLL for season 7. It’s called “In the Eye Abides the Heart” and is written by Joseph Dougherty. Troian Bellisario’s real life fiancé is Suits star Patrick J. Adams, and he even appeared in an episode of PLL back in season 1. Patrick later admitted that the reason he guest-starred on the show in 2010 was to win back Troian, who had broken up with him at the time. Well, it clearly worked. Lucy Hale and Ashley Benson played the younger sisters of Robin and Barney on the show How I Met Your Mother. At 30 years old, Troian is the oldest Liar out of the bunch. She’s even older than Ian Harding, which is quite funny considering he played her teacher for a few years. Can someone please tell us which moisturiser she uses? Ashley Benson is the on-set prankster. During season 1 she went around secretly putting clothespins on the crew members. Ashley Benson appeared in the film 13 Going on 30 as one of the mean girls. Alison’s last name, DiLaurentis, is an anagram of the phrase ‘Liars united’. God, even her name is mysterious.

Which of these unusual facts about Pretty Little Liars did you find the most surprising? Let us know in the comments below.