Ariel Winter found it "hard" to say goodbye to 'Modern Family'.

The 27-year-old actress played the role of Alex Dunphy on the ABC sitcom between 2009 and 2020 and explained how she found it tough to bid farewell to a show that had been such a huge part of her life.

Ariel told People: "It was hard.

"We were like a real family. It was weird knowing it would just be over, and I wouldn't get to see everybody all the time anymore. It was like, wait, yeah, wait, we're not going to be together on Monday? So on the one hand, I didn't want it to end, but at the same time, I was ready to start something new as an adult."

Ariel was only 11 when 'Modern Family' began and she did not suspect that the programme would gone on to become so popular.

She said: "I was 11 when it started. I don't think I had any idea of it was going to be successful or not. I was just like, 'Oh awesome, I got a job.'

"What I was so excited for was to get the chance to work with Al Bundy (Ed O'Neill, who portrayed her grandfather Jay Pritchett in the comedy).

"But once the show started, it was an immediate hit, and it was so exciting to have that opportunity. And being on the same show for so long? I feel like that doesn't really happen anymore."

Winter became close with all of her cast mates but explained that she has a particularly deep bond with co-star Nolan Gould, who played her on-screen younger brother Luke Dunphy.

She said: "I'm extremely close to Nolan. He plays my little brother, and he and I are still best friends."

Ariel faced body scrutiny as she grew up on screen and admits that her confidence was "damaged" by the attention.

She explained: "That was a major part of my teenage years.

"It was just everywhere. It was every headline I read about myself, like, grown people writing articles about me saying how I looked terrible or pregnant or like a fat slut. I mean, I was 14. It totally damaged my self-esteem."

Ariel accused her mother Chrisoula Workman of physical and emotional abuse (Workman denied the allegations) and emancipated from her at the age of 17 but is now concentrating on the future with a podcast and cooking show lined up.

The 'Sofia the First' actress said: "I experienced a lot in my time in this industry and a lot in just so many other areas. I feel so lucky to have come out where I have now.

"I've been blessed to have the resources to seek healing. I've got great people around me and a great second chance, and that's major."