Rolf Harris used "bear hugs" to hide his serial sexual abuse and is good at disguising a "dark side" of his character, a court has heard.

The TV entertainer, who denies 12 charges of indecent assault, is facing questions from prosecutor Sasha Wass QC. She told the jury all the alleged victims describe a similar scenario: bear hugs then sexual molestation.

The prosecutor claimed Harris committed child abuse in conducting an affair with his daughter's best friend. She added that he "psychologically dominated that girl" so she kept it secret.

But Harris (84) said the relationship was based on a "mutual feeling of warmth and affection" - and claimed the alleged victim initiated the affair.

Harris added that he "laughed in disbelief" when he discovered the alleged victim had been "terrified" of him.

He recalled her coming to his house in Berkshire to have sex, telling the jury that he took her a cup of tea and she started flirting with him, kicking off her duvet to reveal her bare legs.

Harris said they would "whisper sweet nothings" to each other, but under continued cross examination he admitted he could not remember what was said.

'This is not a talent show'

He told Southwark Crown Court in London he had worked with the NSPCC on child abuse issues, making a campaign video for them. But Ms. Wass described him as a "brilliant and polished performer".

The prosecutor said the trial was "not a talent show" as she recalled how he had entertained the court by singing during his earlier evidence.

Jurors were told "Underneath the friendly and loveable exterior there is a darker side". Accused of being "pretty good" at hiding this dark side, Harris replied "I suppose so".

Ms. Wass said the court had to discover "how dark that dark side is".

The jury has been told how his daughter's friend alleges she was molested by Harris twice during a family holiday in Hawaii in 1978.

The defendant said it was "possible" he had admired her body sexually during the holiday but insisted "nothing happened" during that period and he had "no recollection" of the other allegations.

Harris explained how he was on a ship exhibiting his paintings when police searched his home.

Under further cross examination Ms. Wass said his relationship with the main complainant was not "deep and meaningful" to which Harris replied "I don't suppose it was".

Ms. Wass said "You didn't even talk to the girl. It was a pretty cynical sexual relationship, no tenderness, no love, no friendship".

Harris replied "I thought there was".

The prosecutor asked why he initially mentioned two occasions when he had sex with his daughter's friend, but later talked of four. Harris said there were two "attractive young ladies" in the police interview room which prevented him from going into detail when questioned.

He denies 12 counts of indecent assault on four females aged between seven or eight and 19 between 1968 and 1986.

The trial continues on Thursday.