McCrory and Lewis' family drama

Helen McCrory has joked she and Damian Lewis live their every day life like spies because of their exciting acting roles.

The Harry Potter star plays a government official in new James Bond film Skyfall, while husband Damian stars in hit US CIA thriller Homeland.

Helen laughed: "We've got snipers outside, we go outside in our bulletproof vests. 'Go, go, go, go. Into the car, kids! You're late for the school run!"

She added: "No, it's fine. It's normal."

The 44-year-old actress revealed she loved coming up against Dame Judi Dench, who plays MI5 chief M in Skyfall.

Helen said: "I come as a rival to M, to cross examine her, but she's intellectually in my cross line, rather than with a gun.

"It's fantastic. I've worked with Judi before and known her for years and she brings everybody's game up."