HE is known for his small screen roles battling terrorists and the horrors of the Second World War.

Damian Lewis’ leading parts in Homeland and Band of Brothers have made him one of the most recognisable faces in television.

But his latest challenge did not involve trying to survive bombs and sniper fire.

It was a humble canoeing trip in the New Forest.

The actor headed to New Forest Activities in Beaulieu for a canoeing tour with a pal and their four children.

It was part of a “no women allowed” camping holiday in the New Forest for the star.

New Forest Activities instructor Jake Lawrence led Mr Lewis on a picturesque canoe tour down Beaulieu River, and even managed to get the star to pose with him for a “selfie”.

Mr Lewis ignored other attractions such as Battlefield Live, archery, bushcraft and a high ropes course offered by New Forest Activities.

He played a lead starring role in Second World War series Band of Brothers as General Dick Winters and more recently he has been scooping accolades for playing anti-hero Nicholas Brody in Homeland, for which he has won a Golden Globe and an Emmy.

Lucy Sherwood, who works at New Forest Activities based in Beaulieu and booked Mr Lewis’s tour, said: “When my colleague picked up the phone to talk to him she did not know who it was. Then we found out from our instructor Jake that Damian Lewis was a well known actor we were all very surprised.”