(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Blake Lively took time to grow out of her shyness and become bolder and braver.

The actress shot to fame playing Serena van der Woodsen in American television series Gossip Girl. And she is now a well-liked star who regularly receives praise for her fashion sense.

However, Blake admits she has not always been comfortable having the limelight thrust upon her. The blonde cites her height - she is 5ft. 10ins. - for her initial timidity.

Its taken me time to learn to be bolder and braver. I think my shyness comes from feeling awkward for being tall, the 23-year-old told more! magazine.

Blake, who recently starred in Ben Afflecks critically acclaimed drama The Town, is continuing to take a lot on board. While the star says she has matured in general, she maintains the popular US series on which she made her name was a confidence-booster.

Im still learning so much. Ive grown up a lot over the past few years and Gossip Girl has made me much more secure, Blake explained. (C) Cover Media