Mischa Barton's single joy

Mischa Barton says it's "great" being single.

The actress - who shot to fame starring in teen drama 'The O.C.' - recently split from musician Taylor Locke but admits she is enjoying her freedom.

She said: "I'm not used to being single, but it's really nice. It's great actually. Just embrace it! It's important to breathe for a minute!"

Mischa, 22, also revealed she sometimes finds it hard to cope with fame, but thinks her recent move to Paris, France, was a good decision because people don't recognise her there.

She added: "Some nights it feels like everyone wants a piece of you. If you just want to go for a drink with a friend and someone is in your face with a camera then it's annoying. But the upside is that at least they are your fans! They appreciate you, and the more people that like you, the better."