Due to a few racy photos being leaked, some have begun to question the status of Miley Cyrus as a role model. But don't count her Hannah Montana costar Shanica Knowles among these critics.

"She's doing an amazing job and I'm not really surprised by her success because she definitely deserves it," Knowles said of Cyrus. "She is, and she always has been [a good role model]."

The 17-year-old, who plays Amber Addison in the Hannah Montana series, added: "She's really talented, and she's really spiritual and she has a good heart."