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Hollywood star Johnny Depp greeted a crowd of screaming fans as he hit the red carpet for the premiere of his latest film.

Hundreds of people turned out in the rain to catch a glimpse of the star who was in London's Leicester Square to unveil his gruesome tale, Sweeney Todd.

Depp is joined on screen by Helena Bonham Carter and Alan Rickman, in the film directed by 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.

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.

© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.