George Clooney admits that his former love, Renee Zellweger, helped him gain weight for his role in the film, Syriana.

Clooney, who dated Zellweger in 2001, was required to gain 34 pounds for the role of CIA agent Bob Barnes, and was having trouble doing so when he consulted Zellweger, who packed on the pounds for her role in Bridget Jones’ Diary.

Clooney explains that he didn’t enjoy being overweight at all; however, he felt that the role was more important. He states, "In the beginning it was fun not being able to get tables at restaurants, but being overweight is horrible for the blood pressure and my back is killing me.

"But you couldn't read this script and not want to be in it."