Damian Lewis probed real life spooks for secrets

Homeland star Damian Lewis probed some real life spies for secrets when researching a new film role.

The British actor is starring in a movie adaptation of British author John le Carre's espionage novel Our Kind of Traitor.

As part of his research for his role as secretive government official Hector Meredith in the film, Damian lunched with two spies who revealed some top secret gossip.

"I went to Special Forces Club and had lunch with - for want of a better word - two spooks working for the British government," Damian tells Britain's Total Film magazine. "They were brilliant and discreet, while also being indiscreet - happy to share tidbits."

The star's research may have been for his role in Our Kind of Traitor, but fans of the suave Brit are sure to be hoping he gets to utilize his knowledge of the world of espionage as the most iconic British spy of all, James Bond.

Damian has long been rumored to be at the top of 007 producers' wishlists for the role, currently filled by Daniel Craig, but has recently seen Tom Hiddleston usurp him as the hot tip to play Bond.

Tom made a splash this year (16) in another adaptation of a le Carre novel, British TV series The Night Manager, which saw him wow audiences as hotel worker turned spy Jonathan Pine.

Damian has read the novel the TV show was based on, having been given the book over a decade ago by screenwriter Larry Kasdan, who thought he should play Pine.

"I've read the Night Manager," he says, adding. "Larry Kasdan gave me a copy when we were making (2003 film) Dreamcatcher. He said 'You must play this!' I read it and stuck it on my shelf."

Although he missed out on being cast in the drama, audiences can see him star alongside Ewan McGregor and Miss Moneypenny actress Naomie Harris when Our Kind of Traitor opens in May (16).