Johnny Depp eats hat on set

Johnny Depp has been caught eating his own hat on a film set.

The actor has been amusing the crew with his off-the-wall behaviour while filming his role as The Mad Hatter in Tim Burton's adaptation of Alice In Wonderland.

Burton, who has worked with Depp on numerous movies including Edward Scissorhands and Sweeney Todd, said the actor is relishing the madcap role.

"Nobody plays oddballs better than Johnny and he's loving playing this one. He actually ate his hat the other day. No word of a lie - he just bit into the brim and chewed," said the director.