Emma Watson has always been very private and has hired a former NYPD lieutenant to be her personal bodyguard and keep stalkers and kidnappers at bay.

New York Post reports that the Noah film star is paying the ex-cop Denise Morrone $ 150,000 (£90,000) a year to be her 24/7 protection. Watson is paying for Denise's, who retired from Staten Island's 122nd Precinct, expertise following her law enforcement experience.

"She likes it a lot. It's a good job, a big change," says Morrone's friend.

The Daily Mail reports that Emma, 23, had a close encounter during filming of her new movie Noah, which opens Friday, when an over-the-top fan made it into the set effectively freaking out Watson who thought she was in danger.

"Emma was left screaming, believing she was in danger, and filming had to stop," said the Mail.

The Mail's source claims: "The one person Emma is never without is Denise." Emma is reported to be worth over $38 million (£23  million) so the threat of kidnap coupled with over-eager fans has prompted Emma to take steps to ensure her safety.

"Denise is always there, making sure she is safe." The source claims that Emma pays her bodyguard out of her own pocket and is accompanied by Denise everywhere.

"She [Denise] is very discreet and very good at her job. She is always there looking after Emma, but you wouldn't know.

Watson has been a high-profile celebrity since staring as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series that catapaulted the young Brit to fame. She's also started in other films including The Perks of Being a Wallflower and The Bling Ring.

She's presently promoting her new film titled Noah she's starting in alongside Russell Crowe, Anthony Hopkins and Jennifer Connelly. The film directed by Darren Aronofsky is based on the Bible's flood story and Noah's Ark.