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Keira Knightley's liquid courage

Jun 22, 2008, 4:00 GMT

06/18/2008 - Keira Knightley - 62nd Annual Edinburgh International Film Festival - "The Edge of Love" Premiere - Arrivals - Cineworld, Fountain Park - Edinburgh, Scotland © Solarpix / PR Photos

Keira Knightley downed shots of vodka to calm her nerves while shooting her new film

The 23-year-old actress admitted she was terrified before filming singing scenes in 'The Edge of Love', but says the alcohol really helped.

She said: "I was shaking like a leaf, I thought my knees were going to buckle. It was so embarrassing. I could see all these faces thinking, 'Oh my God, isn't she terrible?' But then I had a couple of shots of vodka and it was much better."

In the film - which also stars Sienna Miller, Cillian Murphy and Matthew Rhys - Keira sings 'Blue Tahitian Moon', as well as renditions of 'Maybe It's Because I Love You Too Much' and 'Drifting And Dreaming'.

As well as vodka, the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' star did have some singing lessons to prepare for the role.

Keira said: "I did some lessons with a voice coach because I can't sing. But I don't think I'll be doing it again, I don't want to be a rock star!"