Depp fans swoon for Sweeny

Actor Johnny Depp brushed off the rain and chatted with delighted fans at the London premiere of his new film, Sweeney Todd.

Leicester Square was decked out with Gothic-style lampposts and hanging lights for the occasion and the 44-year-old star was joined on the red carpet by Helena Bonham Carter and the film's director Tim Burton.

The movie is an adaptation of a hit stage musical and tells the story of The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, bent on revenge, and his landlady, Mrs Lovett, who decides to dispose of bodies by putting them into pies.

The film has already notched up Golden Globe nominations for best actor, actress, director and picture.

Despite the weather, Depp thrilled his fans by stopping to chat as hundreds of people queued for a glimpse of the film's stars.

Asked why he thought the pairing between the two was so successful, Depp merely pointed at Burton and said: "Tim. Tim is what makes it special, I love to work with him."

Burton's adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's 1979 hit musical marked Depp's first attempt to sing on screen.

He said: "It's a bit like jumping into cold water, there's no preparing, you just do it.

"So I just tried my best to not disappoint Tim or Stephen Sondheim."

Bonham-Carter, who appeared in a red silk ruched dress, found she was pregnant with her second child while filming.

"I wouldn't recommend it," she said. "It was hard work because I couldn't drink any caffeine and we would start work at 5am.

"I would have to concentrate and it was difficult, especially when I was suffering with morning sickness."

But her partner, Burton, had nothing but praise for her, despite the tough audition process she underwent to get the role.

"I was a bit like Simon Cowell," he joked. "But, to be fair, she put in a beautiful performance. She was right for the role - that made it very easy to cast her in the end.

The film, which has been tipped for Oscar glory following its opening in the US, also features Alan Rickman, Ali G and Borat creator Sacha Baron Cohen and Timothy Spall.

Depp and Burton have collaborated on several films together including 1990's Edward Scissorhands and more recently on a remake of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

The film will hit cinemas across the UK on January 26.

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