George went to spy school for role (From Hampshire Chronicle)

George went to spy school for role

1:16pm Thursday 27th September 2012 in National Entertainment News © Press Association 2013

Melissa George has revealed she had to attend "spy school" before starring in her new TV show.

The former Home And Away star plays an operative for an elite private intelligence firm in Hunted, a new suspense thriller set in the world of international espionage, and went to pick up tips from a former female agent.

"I was so naughty," giggled the actress, admitting she was kicked out of school twice when she was young for being cheeky.

But Melissa admitted she was fascinated by the former spy.

She said: "She looked like a stylish older woman with a grey bob. Like a woman you'd see at a mall, and that's why she's brilliant, because you never see her coming."

The 36-year-old also worked hard with her personal trainer to get in tip-top shape for the part.

She explained: "We went back to old techniques - I was dragging this cement thing and had ropes around my arms. I'm really strong now. I was in Paris for the last three days and a friend of mine was like, 'Damn!'"

:: Hunted begins on BBC One on Thursday, October 4.