Steve Coogan has claimed he was conned into revealing intimate details about his life in a "ruse" by a UK newspaper.

The British comic actor is the latest star to give evidence at the Leveson Inquiry in London, which is looking into allegations of phone hacking against several UK newspapers. Hugh Grant was questioned yesterday, with Sienna Miller due to take part later this week.

Steve has discussed what he believes are the unethical ways in which some publications acquire stories.

He alleges that while in the middle of a relationship breakdown he was phoned by a journalist. The romance ended because Steve had an affair, which the journalist knew about. He was reportedly asked to confirm small details so the "lurid, embarrassing" parts would be "omitted".

"Afterwards they said they'd recorded it and it was a ruse," Steve claimed.

The comedian termed some areas of the media like the "mafia" as "it's just business" to them.

He also alleges that people tried to get hold of his telephone records by pretending to be him, while his friends have been approached by individuals offering money for stories.

Steve claims his daughter's late great-grandmother was once telephoned by someone pretending to be conducting a council survey, who ended up being a member of the media. He has also had journalists camping outside his home, and has seen people going through his bins.

"I saw them from my bedroom window. They didn't look like tramps not far off. Very early in the morning," he said.

The 46-year-old also spoke about his career in general, explaining he has no interest in fame.

"Fame is a by-product. I don't sell myself as a personality, I create characters. Myself personally, I like to keep private," he said.

"One could argue there are those who make their career by being famous. They do enter a Faustian pact I haven't, I've never set myself up as a paragon of virtue as a model of morality I simply do what I do and that's what I like to be judged on my work."