The actor, who sings in new movie musical 'Sweeney Todd' said he has never tried the bar pastime, and he admitted he would need to be seriously drunk before having a go. Asked what his favourite karaoke song is, Depp replied:

"Honestly, I've always been frightened of it. I've never tried it. It scares the hell out of me. I've never been that drunk. I've been drunk - but not that drunk."

Depp plays the Demon Barber of Fleet Street in the upcoming Tim Burton Hollywood film, but he said he was terrified when he won the part, because he hadn't sung before. Depp, 44, added:

"I was probably more frightened than anyone. I'd never sung before in my life. So I thought it was important that I keep it very low-key. Initially I did demos in my friend's garage studio because I didn't know if I'd be able to hit a note. I sent it to Tim [director Tim Burton], crossed my fingers and waited for the outcome. I really went through some angst."

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street will be released in the US on December 21 and in the UK on January 25. Picture: Ray Nichols