Paris Hilton has admitted she plays up to her image as an airhead because she thinks it's funny.

The hotel heiress insisted that she was a completely different person out of the media spotlight.

“I would do the baby voice and it's kind of like this character I made up, but in real life I'm completely different, I'm very down to earth, I'm smart, I know what's going on',” Hilton said.

"It's kind of like I almost play to the image and kind of have a laugh at myself about it."

Hilton added: ''I think a lot of people will assume that I'm just like an airhead.

“But in my everyday life, when I'm hanging out with my friends or if I'm in a business meeting I'll talk in my normal voice.''

Hilton's made the revelation about her real-life persona during a TV documentary with TV presenter Fearne Cotton.

The programme, Fearne and...Paris Hilton, lifted the lid on Hilton's private life, including her lavish Hollywood home.

Paris Hilton