Keira on her mission to prove that she’s more than just a pretty face: “I had been doing Pirates of the Caribbean for about two years, and as much as that was extraordinary and amazing, I wanted to do something completely different. I think that’s why I chose to do [these two two films.] I did Silk first and then I had five days off and went straight onto Atonement. I wanted to play these characters. I wanted something totally different from the Pirate experience.”

Keira on nude scenes: “Some actors are absolutely not comfortable with taking their clothes off and nudity, and that’s completely fine, but I am. I’ve always been fine with it. No one is completely comfortable with her body, everyone has insecurities, but it’s not about that. It’s about, for me, my body, my face, my head, my mind — everything; that’s the tool that I have to work with. I’ve never had a problem using it. Anything I felt uncomfortable with I’ve always said no to. So I only do nudity if I’m completely comfortable with the surroundings and I’ve talked to the director and he’s explained to me exactly what he wants in the shot and I’m fine with it.”

Keira Knightley - Strut Magazine

The actress - who recently referred to herself as a "moody bastard" - is filming costume drama The Duchess but couldn't get to grips with one two-line scene.

An on set source said: "Keira was clearly having a very tough day. She was filming a very simple scene, but couldn't get it right. The director finally gave up in despair."

The problematic sequence only required Keira to walk down some stairs and sit with another character.

She then had to secretly whisper something to him, finish a drink and leave.

It has been claimed the Atonement actress has upset cast and crew with her diva-like behaviour, which has included her demanding a special chair for her to relax in between takes.

A source said: "Keira has been very difficult. At one point she even made the crew bring her a special chair to sit in."