Johnny Depp thrills fans at Pirates premiere

Johnny Depp sent his fans into hysterics at the UK premiere of ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’ last night (12.05.11).

The Hollywood superstar – who returns to his role as Captain Jack Sparrow in the fourth instalment of the Disney franchise – spent almost two hours chatting to his screaming followers and signing autographs and some were so overcome with meeting their idol they broke down in tears.

A source told BANG Showbiz: “Johnny was great with his fans and was happy to sign autographs and greet everyone he could.”

Johnny was joined on the special blue carpet at Westfield London’s Vue Cinema by his glamorous co-star Penelope Cruz, who looked stunning in a long white lace Givenchy gown.

The Spanish beauty – who gave birth to son Leo in January – is making her debut in the franchise and said it was a dream come true because she had always wanted to be a pirate when she was little.

Penelope – who plays Angelica – said: “I loved playing a pirate as when I was a little girl I always used to play pirates so it’s like a dream come true!”

The 37-year-old actress was also overwhelmed with the reaction she got at the UK premiere.

She said: “The welcome I’ve had in London today has been amazing and I thank everyone.”

Other stars from the movie to attend the premiere included Ian McShane, who plays Blackbeard, Geoffrey Rush, who reprises his role as Barbossa, and British newcomer Sam Claflin, who takes on the part of Philip.

‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’ is in UK cinemas in Disney Digital 3D and 2D from May 18.