Paris Hilton is adamant that her ditzy blonde image is a cover for her real identity - an intelligent and beautiful woman.

The heiress - who is due to set foot on U.K. shores to find a new best friend in the new year - insists that the air-head act is all for the cameras.

She tells The Sun, “I’m very intelligent. I’m capable of doing everything put to me. I’ve two records, I’ve launched a perfume and I want my own hotel chain.

“I’m the living proof that blondes are not stupid.”

She hides it well!

Paris recently split for Good Charlotte rocker Benji Madden after 9 months together.

See Hollywood's oddest couple below