Johnny Depp's friends beg him to go to rehab

Los Angeles - Johnny Depp's friends have begged him to go to rehab.

The Mortdecai actor - who is set to go on a US tour next month with his band The Hollywood Vampires - has reportedly been advised by his bandmates Alice Cooper, Joe Perry and Matt Sorum to check into a rehabilitation centre because they fear he will suffer a "meltdown" and has begun to drink excessively following allegations he abused his estranged wife Amber Heard.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "He's received death threats over the domestic violence claimed and they fear he will suffer a meltdown.

"The thought of having to face Amber in court and to go through the humiliation is way too much for him.

"Everyone thinks the best place for him is rehab for a month where he can clear his head and get the support he needs."

The 52-year-old star has previously battled with alleged alcohol abuse and reportedly attended rehab when he disappeared off the radar following a boozy session in Brisbane after sustaining a hand injury which halted filming on Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales last year.

Speaking previously a source said: "There are rumours on the set that he was in rehab.

"As soon as Johnny arrived in Australia, he was partying hard. After he got injured, no one was surprised. He didn't seem to care at all about filming and was all about partying."

And since the couple's 15-month marriage came to a dramatic end two days after Johnny's mother Betty died aged 81, it is alleged the dark-haired heartthrob has returned to his old ways and "hit the bottle" to cope with the unfortunate tale of events.

The source explained: "Johnny's team are really worried. He's hit the bottle to cope with it all."

And the musician's former partner Vanessa Paradis - with who he has daughter Lily-Rose, 17, and Jack 14, - has been one of his greatest support.

A source said: "He is being closely watched by his security guys. They constantly check to make sure he is OK. His management, sister, head of security and even Vanessa have joined together to support him."

Meanwhile, Johnny is keeping himself to himself and has jetted off to Sweden to stay in a plush suite at one of Stockholm's best hotels, which costs £8000 a night.

A member of the team was heard saying: "We've got to protect Johnny at all costs."