'The prospect of meeting George Clooney in the flesh was just too awe inspiring. So we sent Michael Hellicar out to the US with 12 searching questions sent in by 12 George-adoring readers. Here's what he said.

'What do you miss about playing Dr.Ross in ER.'

Everything! I've got no regreets about leaving - I always said I'd do no more than 5 years. It was enormously hard work and left me very little play time, but it made me financially secure and has put me in a good position to get more acting work. Most of all, I miss the team spirit of the rest of the cast and crew. We all had such good laughs and we became real friends. I still call up some of the people like Julianna Margulies and Anthony Edwards for a chat - sometimes twice a day.

'Which do you prefer, and why - acting for TV or the big screen?

TV is great for instant fame - if you're in a hit series, which I was lucky enough to enjoy - the whole world gets to know you within 3 months. But the movies can take years to get an actor established. One episode of ER would take 5 days of concentrated effort. A film like Batman and Robin took 4 months of acting then a further 9 months of behind the scenes technical magic. They're both very satisfying, which is a roundabout way of admitting that I just can't decide which is best!

'Talking of Batman, who was the lucky person who helped you out of that sexy tight-fitting Batsuit at the end of every day's filming?

Just about everyone on the set! It was so tight it made me sweat like a pig. When I wasn't actually in front of the cameras I'd walk around with it rolled down to my waist to let my body breathe. The wardrobe mistress would rub talcum powder all over me to make the costume easier to get on and off, but it was still like living in a sauna. Sometimes I'd sweat 5lb in a day - but the minute I had a relaxing drink, the weight would go back on.

'Are you a Y-front or a boxers man?'

Ha - that's a secret between me, my laundry basket and everyone who helped me with my Batsuit. I'll give you a clue though. I don't like wearing anything that makes me feel restricted, but on the other hand, some guys need to control certain parts of their body. Work that one out!

'Is there any part of your body that you really don't like?'

As an actor, I'm trained to be self-aware, which is another way of admitting I'm vain. I'd like to be taller and slimmer with fair hair and less lines on my face. I'd like shapely legs, a thinner face and broader shoulders. But I can't change the way I am. I'd never consider cosmetic surgery - I'm scared of the knife, so I put up with what I've got!

'How do you keep yourself looking good - we never hear about you working out or dieting?'

Thanks for the compliment! Yes, I work out for an hour most days, then go and spoil it by drinking 2 or 3 beers in the evening. I used to exercise by walking everywhere, but that's impossible now that everyone knows my face and wants to stop and chat. And as for dieting, I just watch what I eat - lots of pasta for energy, meat for protein and green vegetables because my mom always told me they were good for me. I occasionally have a secret hankering for chocolate, but I try to avoid eating bread, ice cream or any dessert.

'When did you first become aware of your sex appeal?'

Are you kidding? I'm just an ordinary guy who's lucky enough to have a famous face. Basically I'm shy, but I've never had any trouble making friends. All through school I was convinced I was ugly. None of my girlfriends ever said I was handsome - I guess my appeal at the time was that my dad had a flashy sports car and he let me borrow it for dates. I get embarrassed when I am voted sexiest bottom, or nose, or smile, things like that. It makes me really self conscious. 'Do you get on better with men or women?'

No difference. I love women for their sense of humour, their ability to see through men's bullshit.. and the way they are shaped! I love men for their skill at sinking a lot of booze while remaining on their feet, and their unquestioning acceptance that basketball matters more than anything else in life.

'What qualities, physical or personal, do you look for in a woman?'

I am turned on by a woman with a strong mind and a will of her own. Someone who answers me back, who keeps me on my toes and makes me laugh. I don't care about age, shape, colour or background - it's the inner person I go for. And I value loyalty more than anyting - I'm pleased to say that all my previous girlfriends have remained close, even though the relationship may have gone from passionate to platonic.

'How would you go about wooing someone you fancy?'

With great care. I don't believe in love at first sight, only lust. Sure' I've gone for the grand slam the moment I've met someone, but we've both known that it's just for the moment. The way that it slowly happened with Celine Balitran, is a good example. I saw her in a bar, thought she looked interesting, but didn't make a move for days - I was afraid she would reject me. Then, when I did make a move, it was a gentle courtship with flowers, presents and lots of moonlit walks. When I met Celine, we got on from the first date, otherwise she might have thought I was a bit slow.

Would you like to have children, and do you think that you'd make a good dad?

Hey - I'm not even married. And after my first marriage ended in divorce, I said I'd never take that step agian. But attitudes change, and I can't deny that I haven't thought about it. As for being a dad, I love kids, but for the moment my life is too frenetic to be able to devote much time to that most important of life's roles.

Have you ever been truly ashamed of anything you've done?

I've taken on one or two acting jobs in my early days that still make me cringe when I think about them. But no, without wanting to seem too good to be true, I can honestly say that I've tried to live my life decently.