This Morning has come under fire from viewers after a Johnny Depp lookalike appeared on the programme. Hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield spoke to Simon Newton in the ITV studio where he came dressed as the actor's Pirates of the Caribbean character.
He appeared live on the daytime show after the presenters spoke to American journalist Sam Reuben who was talking through the latest in Mr Depp and Amber Heard's trial which is currently taking place. The actor, who starred as Captain Jack Sparrow in the hit films, is suing his ex-partner and fellow actress for libel over a 2018 article she wrote in The Washington Post.
He is suing her for more than £38 million, saying her domestic abuse claims have harmed his career and reputation. Aquaman star Ms Heard took to the stand for the first time on Wednesday (May 4). She has filed a countersuit against Johnny, seeking almost £78 million in damages and saying his legal team falsely accused her of fabricating claims against the actor.
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Appearing on the latest episode of This Morning, lookalike Simon appeared on the set dressed as pirate Jack Sparrow from the movie franchise, with Holly, 41, and Phillip, 60, letting out audible gasps. He then made his way to the famous sofa where he told the hosts about how the current case is affecting how own career.
"I think I'm quite lucky to a degree because there is a separation to playing a character like Jack Sparrow that so many people grew up with and love," he explained. "A lot of my bookings are for weddings and parties from people who love Jack Sparrow. Where it affects me more are the big corporate events where people might be more concerned."
Simon stood in for Johnny Depp on the fourth installment of Pirates of the Caribbean as well as on the 2016 film Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, which saw Depp play Gellert Grindelwald.
He continued: "I’m quite lucky to a degree because there’s a separation between playing a character like Jack Sparrow, which people have grown up with and loved. Even though he created the character, there’s still a disconnect."
But This Morning viewers were initially taking to social media with the same comment. @Taniacook tweeted: "Lookalike [crying laughing emoji] take away the costume and he looks nothing like Johnny Depp! #ThisMorning."
@CD13092 commented: "Really? I don’t think he looks anything like Johnny Depp #ThisMorning."
"Lookalike I could wear a pirate outfit too and look like Johnny Depp #ThisMorning," @R3TRO8OY shared.
Simon also said on This Morning that when out and about it's all 'quite light-hearted' but does get the 'occasional comment' that refers to the private life of Mr Depp. On his experience meeting Mr Depp on set, Simon added: "He’s pretty much like you see on a chat show - quite quiet and reserved with that quirky sense of humour. Obviously, we didn’t exactly sit around and chat all day."
