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."

Penelope Cruz's Diddy song

Penelope Cruz loves singing P. Diddy songs when she does karaoke with her friends.

The 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona' actress is particularly talented at belting out "rap and hip-hop" songs, revealed Isabel Coixet who directed the actress in 'Elegy'.

Isabel said: "Penelope loves karaoke. She is really good at singing Lenny Kravitz songs and rap and hip-hop - she is really good at P. Diddy songs."

Penelope - who is currently dating Spanish actor Javier Bardem - previously revealed she is so keen on showing off her vocal talents that she even hosts karaoke parties at her house.

The 34-year-old star said: "I have a karaoke machine - I know it's embarrassing. My friends have to go through a karaoke party when they come over. I don't tell them before or they won't come. They end up singing at three in the morning.

"I've even used my machine by myself, that's how sad I am! But it's fun!"

Penelope Cruz faked artist scenes

Penelope Cruz had to fake painting scenes in new move Vicky Cristina Barcelona, because she's a terrible artist.

The Spanish actress plays the creative ex-wife of Javier Bardem's character in the new Woody Allen film
But she admits she's nothing like Maria Elena in real life - despite receiving intensive training with a paint brush.

Cruz says, "I was training with a teacher for the movie. I can't paint, that's for sure. I'm terrible at it."