ROYAL ROW OVER DEPP’S RETURN

JOHNNY DEPP’S first major film role after years of legal fights with ex-wife Amber Heard will be playing King Louis XV in French film Jeanne du Barry.

Images of Depp as the King (known as ‘Louis the Beloved’) were released this week by director Maiwenn, who also stars as the monarch’s mistress.

In a powdered wig and rouge, Depp looks like beurre wouldn’t melt, but French journalist Bernard Montiel says all was far from sweetness and light on set.

Montiel claimed there were clashes due to time-keeping. ‘It’s going very, very badly. They argue constantly.’

He added: ‘Johnny Depp is an excellent actor . . . when he comes on the set. Except that sometimes the team is ready at 6am and no one comes.

‘ So, afterward, Maiwenn gets angry and the next day, it is she who does not come — and there is Johnny Depp. It’s madness.’