One of the stars of 'House of Cards' is getting fans hopes up with talk of a fourth season.

After a cliffhanger ending to season two, Michael J Kelly was relieved to see his character 'Doug Stamper' returning for the next chapter.

The character was in a bad way at the end of the second series. The third series was officially released on Netflix last Friday.

He talked to Newstalk Breakfast about his relief when his character was brought back.

"I get this email from my Dad that was like 'Hey, just watched 13 - you're dead' - and then my business manager the next morning (said) 'Oh this was a good thing while it lasted'" he said.

"And I was like 'wait a minute...I was breathing, I know I was breathing'".

"Then I finally got my contract picked up and I was like just such a sense of relief, because...it's the best job I've ever had" he added.

He says he and Doug are very different people.

"Obviously this is the hardest challenge of my life this year - this past season - but it's just written so well," he said.

"Our dedication to work is about the only thing I have in common with Doug Stamper".

"For two seasons, he never once smiled and me, I never stop smiling".

"He doesn't drink, I love my pints - he sleeps with prostitutes I don't" he added.

He says a fourth season is likely and he is keen to be involved - even though he and Doug are very different.