Robert Pattinson refused to speak to a girl when his schoolfriends learned they were going on a date.

The 25-year-old actor - who is dating his 'Twilight Saga' co-star Kristen Stewart - insists he has always hated drawing attention to himself and hated the "hassle" that came with being gossiped about by other pupils.

He explained: "I never had that feeling where I need to show the world anything. I remember being at school and I asked someone out on a date when I was 12, and the next day everyone asked if we were going out. I was like, 'Oh god'. I don't think I ever talked to the girl again - it was too much of a hassle.

"The more speculators you get, the more disastrous things are."

The British star insists it is important to keep some elements of his life private in order to ensure longevity in his career.

He told Marie Claire magazine: "Most actors encourage the attention because they think it will make them have a more lasting career.

"I don't think that's the case. The more you reveal yourself, the less interesting people find you. Mystery lasts a lot longer, so you just hide."