Johnny Depp has said living in the UK has allowed him to “just be me” as he swapped Los Angeles for a quieter life in Somerset.
The 59-year-old actor bought his West Country 850-acre estate for £13million in 2014, weeks after proposing to his now ex-wife Amber Heard.
The sprawling country pile features a 19th century mansion equipped with 12 bedrooms and eight bathrooms as well as walled gardens.
Despite his well-documented life on and off the camera, the Edward Scissorhands star admitted he isn’t “the great extrovert that people think” in a new interview with Somerset Life.
Depp told the outlet: “I just love places with character. British people are cool and will greet you as if you are a neighbour – without going over the top. I like going to places, seeing things and meeting people – but I’m not the great extrovert that people think.
“In truth, I’m quite a shy person. That’s one of the great things about Britain, and especially Somerset. I can just be me – and that’s nice.
“I can go into shops without being surrounded by people wanting selfies. I don’t mind that up to a point, but sometimes it gets a little too crowded.”
Last month it was reported that Depp had shunned America and was residing in London.
The actor allegedly had not yet bought a property but is flitting between hotels and staying with friends, a source told the Sunday Times.
Depp owns a sprawling property in West Hollywood that is a gothic replica of a Bavarian castle complete with turrets, towers and battlements.
He had previously been staying with his friend Jeff Beck the guitarist in Sussex. But when Beck died last month at the age of 78 Depp moved to London for a time.
Last year, Depp managed to successfully sue Amber Heard for libel over an article in which she claimed to be a victim of domestic abuse. Heard has sought to appeal against the verdict, stating it will have a “chilling” effect on other women.
