Hugh Laurie: 'I underwent happiness training'

Hugh Laurie has joked he had to undergo 'happiness training' to play a happy Dr Gregory House in the next season of House.

The English actor said he was so used to portraying the cranky doctor in the award-winning TV series that it's strange to have to smile and laugh, now that he's dating boss Dr Lisa Cuddy (Lisa Edelstein).

"The appearance of happiness has taken some getting used to - I had a week of happiness training before the season started up, and I'm whistling more than usual," he told Entertainment Weekly.

Asked if the relationship between the two medics is doomed, Hugh hinted: "I don't think [so], necessarily, but let's face it, neither of these characters has a clean license.

"Buckle up, would be my advice."

The 51-year-old reckoned it could be a perfect pairing.

"I've always thought of House as a romantic, and I don't think romantics are much given to comparing," he said.

"But speaking as a friend of House, he seems to be attracted to strong women. He likes to get as good as he gives - and I mean that in as many senses as are suitable for a family readership."