Claire Danes and Damian Lewis don't get embarrassed about their ''awkward'' sex scenes.

The 'Homeland' co-stars are close friends off camera and are so comfortable with one another, they don't mind their intimate scenes because it makes them feel like teenagers.

Damian told Closer magazine: ''I always invite her round for brunch - Eggs Benedict is my specialty.

''We don't even get embarrassed about our sex scenes - they're more like awkward adolescent gropes.''

Claire recently admitted she was ''elated'' after spending the day with the CIA to research 'Homeland'. The actress was delighted to meet staff at the government organisation to prepare for her role as CIA operations officer Carrie Mathison in television drama 'Homeland' and was fascinated to see how they operate.

She said: ''They were very forthcoming about their experiences. I was elated after that day.

''It was a thrill to peek inside that culture.''

Claire's character suffers from bipolar disorder and the 32-year-old actress ''gorged'' on YouTube footage of people who are stricken by the mental illness in order to help her portrayal of the disease.

She said: ''I watched YouTube videos of people who are manic, and need to talk, and are eager to communicate their feelings.

''I just gorged on these videos. Every case is unique.''