Matthew McConaughey says having a normal conversation while wearing just a thong is "good acting".

The Hollywood heartthrob plays veteran stripper Dallas in the new movie Magic Mike, which also stars Channing Tatum. Matthew had to wear a series of sexy outfits and perform intricate dance moves in skimpy underwear for the film. Although he oozes confidence in the stripping scenes, he did experience some nerves so spent time in his costumes before the cameras began rolling.

"Only a little bit, but Channing did. We all tried to," he told UK TV show Lorraine, when asked if he wore the thong between scenes. "To put on a thong is uncomfortable and then you have to go out on stage and pretend you have been doing it all your life. So you would put on the thong, you would be kind of nervous, and you would try to have a normal conversation with somebody. I found that if I could put on the thong and say, So, what did you have for dinner last night? What's happening with you?' if you could pull that off, that is good acting."

Matthew didn't need too much coaxing to get in shape for the role.

The 42-year-old hunk is renowned for his buff body and admits the prospect of showing off his physique was a big incentive to ensure he looked as good as possible.

"If you tell a man that he will stripping on screen and his backside may be on there - 40ft high and 40ft wide that will get a man to the gym," he smiled.

Matthew had a blast shooting the movie. He has fond memories from being on set and decided to keep some of the outfits he wore. However, he has joked they don't take up much room at his home because they are so skimpy.

"I kept all the costumes. I have them in a small backpack," he joked.