Benedict Cumberbatch has revealed he gave himself nicotine poisoning three times while playing an American rancher in his new film.

The actor (45) told Esquire UK he found the smoking habits of his character Phil Burbank challenging in the new western drama The Power Of The Dog.

The film is Oscar-winning director Jane Campion’s first since 2009 and sees Cumberbatch playing a domineering Montana ranch owner.

He said: “(Smoking) was really hard. Filterless rollies, just take after take after take. I gave myself nicotine poisoning three times. When you have to smoke a lot, it genuinely is horrible.”

He said  he wanted a “layer of stink” on him to fully embody the character on set, adding: “I wanted people in the room to know what I smelt like.

“It was hard, though. It wasn’t just in rehearsals. I was going out to eat and meet friends of Jane (Campion) and stuff.”

Cumberbatch also discussed how he wanted to become “world-class at the banjo”, admitting that it meant he was “slightly antisocial” on set.

“I think my primary motivation is that I just really, really enjoy it. And I like the idea that I might be getting better at it,” he added.