Clooney hated gaining weight for film role

George Clooney so despised gaining 30 pounds to play a CIA agent in new film Syriana he couldn't even bring himself to enjoy his beloved Italian hospitality.

The movie star decided to take on the role of Bob Barnes in the gripping new film, which he also produced, after another actor dropped out, leaving him just one month to pile on the pounds.

At one point, he was eating nine meals a day as he hid himself away at his villa on the banks of Lake Como, Italy, and he insists it was one of the most miserable times of his life.

He explains: "People always think, 'Oh, that'll be fun,' but it's like going to a pie-eating contest every day.

"I was miserable, because there I was in Italy, and I wasn't looking forward to eating. Who doesn't look forward to eating in Italy?"