Penelope Cruz's accent 'torture'

Spanish actress Penelope Cruz hates acting in English - because she has to work extra hard on her accent.

The 34-year-old star - who was born in Madrid, Spain - didn't begin learning English until she was 18, and admits it is still a struggle to perfect her words - especially if she is working on a movie.

She says, "I'm starting to feel more relaxed about acting in English now, but it takes time and I have to work very hard on it.

"When I'm not performing in Spanish I feel extra tension. It's like torture sometimes, trying to get rid of my accent."