Gwyneth Paltrow needed Downey's help

Gwyneth Paltrow emailed Robert Downey Jr. to get advice on how to play an addict.

The 38-year-old actress - who plays alcoholic singer Kelly Canter in new movie 'Country Strong' - sought the advice of the 'Sherlock Holmes' star, who battled addictions to drink and drugs for many years, to get into the mindset of her character.

When asked how she got into the head of her alter-ego, she explained: "I actually emailed Robert Downey Jr., who has been sober for a long time, and asked him to explain addiction to me and he wrote me the most amazing email and it really helped me understand it."

Despite never experimenting with drugs herself, Gwyneth - who is married to Coldplay frontman Chris Martin - enjoys an alcoholic tipple every now and again.

She said: "Yeah, I do drink. I really enjoy red wine the most. But I like going to British pubs and having the odd pint of Guinness, too.

"But other than that I drink white wine and rose. And on a night out a good vodka Martini is always a good choice. So, yes, I do have a drink!"