Hardy to play cage fighter in next film

Tom Hardy has revealed that he must weigh 15 stone by the summer in order to play his next role as a cage fighter.

The 31-year-old already had to gain weight to play prisoner Charles Bronson in the screen biopic Bronson.

Hardy later revealed that he had become fond of the man dubbed as one of Britain's most violent prisoners while preparing for the role. He said: "The man I met wasn't a monster - massive anger problems, yes, and hugely charismatic, but very insightful and interesting."

ITN reports that Hardy is heading back to the gym to beef up for his next screen outing.

"Now I'm involved in a big cage fighting film, so I have to train to be a UFC [Ultimate Fighting Championship] fighter," he said, adding: "By July I have to be 15 stone and dangerous."