Butler 'turned to God to beat smoking'

Gerard Butler has revealed that he almost stopped smoking after a religious experience.

After patches and hypnotism failed to work, the 300 actor turned to prayer in an attempt to kick the habit after visiting the Church Of The Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.

"I'm thinking: 'If this guy [Jesus] can die for mankind, the least I can do is quit smoking,' he said.

"I really felt an epiphany was happening. I even thought I saw a light around me. Four hours later, I bought a packet of Marlboro Reds. Who am I kidding? I need a cigarette."