(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Penlope Cruz has recalled setting her hair alight while blowing out candles on a birthday cake.

The stunning actress who turned 37 last Thursday - is famed for her flowing brunette locks, although she has revealed how a typical birthday ritual had a disastrous impact on her tresses.

Speaking on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno, Penlope remembered the horrific event, which saw her hair singed by the candles on her celebratory gateau.

The actress believes she is prone to such problems because she gets incredibly nervous when shes the centre of attention. Despite being a world famous movie star, the beauty doesnt actually feel at ease when people are looking at her.

I always get nervous celebrating the birthday, she confided.

[This year] I had dinner with friends and family. I get nervous when people sing Happy Birthday, I get nervous when I have to open the presents in front of them.

Penlope famously won the best supporting actress Oscar at the 2009 Academy Awards for her part in the comedy Vicky Cristina Barcelona. However, the star has revealed she finds birthday parties more nerve-wracking than the prestigious movie event.

I get more nervous even than at the Oscars, she laughed. (C) Cover Media