Writing a personal statement based on portfolio and experience

I do not have the grades to get in to the universities I want. However, I do have the experience and a portfolio. I contacted universities and I am applying to ones that said they would consider an application from me.

I have tried looking for advice, but a lot of them are based around talking about your current grades and what you are expected to get when you finish your exams, which, obviously does not apply to me.

I wrote about my interest in the course (how I got interested in it, why I want to pursue it), talked about my work experience (an apprenticeship, all the different articles and events I have done), linked my portfolio, as well as mentioned throughout the portfolio why I feel as though I am capable of studying at degree level.

I have hit the line limit, but what I was wondering is;
Should I change it and mention the grades I do have? I felt as though with the focus being on portfolio and work experience that I should rather focus on that than having to be less detailed about all the different work experience I have. I mean it's not as if I meet the entry requirements anyway, what are your thoughts?

I did mention how I got an interest in the subject through watching documentaries and reading articles, but should I talk about other non-course related interests to make me seem more well rounded?

There is no point wasting characters talking about your grades - these have to be included in your application anyway.

Also, unrelated extra-curriculars are not recommended. Being a 'well-rounded individual' is a bit of an old-fashioned concept. Admissions tutors are only really interested in how interested you are in the course and what skills you have that you can apply to it.