(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Jesse Metcalfe says Michael Douglas "took an interest in him" when they worked together.

The American actor starred alongside Michael and Amber Tamblyn in a remake of the 1956 film Beyond a Reasonable Doubt in 2009.

Jesse was thrilled to team up the veteran actor, and says the Hollywood star took an instant liking to him on set.

"Michael Douglas was incredible to work alongside," he gushed in an interview with BBC Breakfast.

"He took an interest in me and took me under his wing."

Jesse is probably best known for appearing in TV drama Desperate Housewives as John Rowland, who had an affair with Eva Longoria's character Gabrielle Solis when he was still a student.

It was recently confirmed the upcoming eighth season of the programme will be the last, and Jesse thanks the hit series for defining his acting career.

"Personally I had no idea at all," he revealed when asked if he knew whether the show would be so successful. "I had no clue. I got swept up with everything. It opened a lot of doors for me."

The 32-year-old actor is currently working on several new projects. He appears in police drama Chase and also has a part in the high-anticipated reboot of Dallas, alongside show veterans Larry Hagman, Linda Gray and Patrick Duffy.

Although not a massive fan of the iconic show first time round, Jesse says the Dallas melody is forever imprinted in his memory.

"I was born the year the show started in 1978. I wasn't an avid watcher, I was just a kid. But the music is engrained in my psyche," he quipped.

Jesse plays Christopher Ewing in the upcoming drama.

The star says being part of the wealthy Dallas family can be a bumpy ride, which is why he was initially attracted to the role.

"I love that drama," he said. "That's one of the reasons I got involved. My character is very conflictive." (C) Cover Media