Johnny Depp decided it was time for a change, and to be fair, when you’ve gone through the biggest dry spell in your career, cost Disney a lorry full of money and hinted that retiring might be on the cards, a change is probably for the best.

Depp, though, has gone for a follicle change, and has gone blonde. He debuted his new look when handing Christopher Lee his BFI Fellowship honor award.

"It's my great honor to be here," he said, calling Lee "a great man, a very great man indeed." Lee has been "a wonderful inspiration" to him and many other actors and filmmakers, Depp said."It was certainly a childhood dream come true" to work with and learn from Lee, Depp added.

He went on to praise Lee as "a true gentleman," "a national treasure" and "a true artist." To finish, Depp rounded things off with “I love you.” And, after a long standing ovation, it was time for Lee to speak.

"Johnny, I don't know what to say. I didn't know you were going to be here. It is a very emotional moment for me as you can probably hear. (Hollywood Reporter)

The pair have appeared in three films together, all tied together by director Tim Burton who helmed them all: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Sleepy Hollow and Dark Shadows.

Lee, who stands at the grand old age of 91 will be known to younger audiences as Count Dooku in the Star Wars prequels and Saruman in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. For older film fans, his roles as Dracula in Dracula – Prince of Darkness and Lord Summerisle in The Wicker Man will remain long in the memory.

Johnny Depp and Christopher LeeJohnny Depp and Christopher Lee