'I lend my friends sex toys': Maggie Gyllenhaal inundated with vibrators after signing up to film about history of the device

By Nadia Mendoza

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Controversial: Maggie Gyllenhaal speaks candidly about loaning her friends sex toys after receiving plenty of free samples thanks to her latest film Hysteria

Girls usually share make-up and rom-com DVDs.

So it may come as a surprise to hear Maggie Gyllenhaal gives her friends a thrill by loaning them vibrators.

The Dark Knight actress tapped into her generous streak after being inundated with free sex toys after signing up to new project Hysteria.

The film, which also stars Sheridan Smith and Rupert Everett, is set in the Victorian era and follows the invention of the risqué instrument.

Maggie said: 'By the time I finished the movie I'd been sent 15 vibrators by different people in London with vibrator stores. It was a pleasant surprise.'

'So I have this incredible collection, and I actually use one or two of them.

'I lend them to my friends, and they'll take them for six months at a time.'

Exploring her sexuality: Maggie takes centre stage in Hysteria, set in the Victorian era

The 33-year-old star, sister of Donnie Darko actor Jake Gyllenhaal, said she was enticed by the project to discover more about 'female sexuality'.

She added: 'I decided to do it because I was also interested in female sexuality, although that makes it so scientific.

'I don't know many people who aren't interested in female sexuality.

'I was curious about the invention of the vibrator. It's unusual when you read a romantic comedy where you're curious about what's going to happen.

Challenging: Maggie Gyllenhaal set tongues wagging with her controversial role in Secretary

'Basically I'm always looking for freedom, for a way to be free in my work.'

Maggie is no stranger to exploring erotic themes on camera, having put her stamp on Hollywood with her role in Secretary.

In the film, she embarks on a BDSM (Bondage, Discipline, Sadomasochism) relationship and was forced to crawl on all fours while carrying out menial tasks - in what has now become an iconic image.