Ledger urged to seek help over 'Batman'

Heath Ledger was reportedly encouraged to seek counselling just weeks before his death.

Cast and crew on new Batman film The Dark Knight were said to be concerned that he was too wrapped up in his character The Joker.

Fox News reports that the role affected his mood, sleeping patterns and relationships with his co-stars.

A source said: "Heath refused to talk to anyone out of character. If you tried to communicate with him normally instead of The Joker, he would just ignore you.

"He would often come to the set to hang out even on his days off, freaking everyone out. Towards the end of filming, he was warned by people that he had gone too far, but it was almost like he couldn't connect with those who cared for him anymore."

The movie finished shooting at the end of 2007 and Ledger was found dead from a prescription drug overdose on January 22.