Ugly Betty star America Ferrera used to hate her appearance so much, she burst into floods of tears every time she caught a glimpse at her own reflection.

The voluptuous actress, 23, who plays frumpy fashion magazine receptionist Betty Suarez in the hit show, hated her curves.

She says, "I thought I was too fat. I wanted to be one of the Charlie's Angels but couldn't get into the size zero leather trousers."

She also criticises the television industry's preference for style over substance: "It's hard for people to see your talent if you don't fit the slim, tall, traditionally beautiful mould We're not all size zeros and that's OK - because some of us like to eat."