Catherine Zeta-Jones was stunned to find husband Michael Douglas trying on her underwear in preparation for his role as flamboyant pianist Liberace.

The actor has bounced back from his cancer battle to portray the gay entertainer in a new biopic, and his Welsh wife admits he has gone all out to get into character.

She says, "Michael has been in the bedroom and started putting on my diamonds and things.

"I'm like, 'Michael, please take off those pants (underwear). Take 'em off baby. Come on, give me back my rocks.'"

Douglas has been taking piano lessons for the movie and has even lit up the couple's house with Liberace's signature prop, the candelabra.

Zeta-Jones adds, "He winks at me while he plays (piano). But I'm sick of having breakfast by candelabra."

Behind the Candelabra, which is due to begin filming this summer, will also star Matt Damon as Liberace's gay lover.