X-Men star Hugh Jackman has confessed he found it hard to kiss Nicole Kidman during filming of their new epic movie Australia.

“This is a romantic adventure so matters of the heart are definitely at the forefront,” he told US show Entertainment Tonight.

“Nicole and I, funnily enough, have been friends for a long time which can sometimes make things a little bit more awkward.

“It might sound strange, but sometimes it’s a little easier to be having a snog with someone you’ve never met before than someone you know quite well and you know you’ll be at a dinner party with in six months.”

Hugh plays a rough-around-the-edges stockman who helps out Nicole Kidman’s aristocratic character after she inherits a million acres of land in the Aussie outback.