High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgens still regrets getting caught up in a naked photo scandal - branding it one of the "hardest" times of her life.

The 19-year-old Disney star was at the centre of worldwide controversy when the full frontal shots, which she reportedly took to titillate boyfriend Zac Efron, appeared on the internet.

And Hudgens admits that when the story appeared in the press she was absolutely devastated.

She says, "It was extremely hard. I made a mistake and I am very sorry about it. But everybody makes mistakes. It was supposed to be a private thing."

"My family and friends were so supportive about it. I don't think I could have got through it without them."