Hugh Laurie jokingly remarked he had to go through 'happiness training' to portray a happy character in the next season of House.

The English actor said he was so used to playing the cranky Dr Gregory House in the award-winning TV series that it is strange to have to smile and laugh, now that his character is 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.

Quizzed if the relationship between the two medics is ill-fated, Hugh clued, "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," he added.

The 51-year-old star thought 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."