Johnny Depp tops best actor poll

Depp was nominated for an Oscar for Sweeney Todd

Pirates of the Caribbean star Johnny Depp is Britain's favourite actor, according to a survey.

Depp beat home-grown stars like Daniel Craig, Sir Sean Connery and Orlando Bloom to top the poll, conducted by the Cinema Advertising Association (CAA).

The star, 45, took the largest number of votes across all ages and genders.

CAA spokeswoman Anna Cremin said Depp's "wide appeal" was down to his ability to move "from serious films like Donnie Brasco to blockbusters and comedies."

JOHNNY DEPP Born 9 June 1963, in Kentucky, US. Made his acting debut in A Nightmare on Elm Street, in 1984. Has been nominated for three Oscars, but never won. Won a Golden Globe in 2008 for Sweeny Todd. Has two children with long-term partner, singer and actress Vanessa Paradis. Lives in France.

She added: "Few other actors have managed to be so versatile."

The CAA conducted the research with 3,000 people aged seven and over.

Although he has received three Oscar nominations, Depp has never won a coveted Academy Award. He has also left the Baftas empty-handed on two separate occasions.

But the star did pick up a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Sweeney Todd earlier this year, and took home two golden popcorn prizes from the MTV Movie Awards, in California, last week.

Depp is also set to appear in Terry Gilliam's film, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, next year.

He stepped in to play one of three incarnations of Heath Ledger's character after the death of the 28-year-old actor in January.