9:34am UK, Thursday August 19, 2004

TV comic Johnny Vegas could be set for a starring role in the Pirates Of The Caribbean sequels - thanks to his friend Johnny Depp.   

The Hollywood star reckons Vegas, 33, would be a perfect shipmate for his character Captain Jack Sparrow.

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Shipshape: Johnny Vegas

Disney bosses are planning to make two follow-ups to last year's smash box office hit.  

Depp has tipped them off about the English comedian after working with him on new costume drama The Libertine, according to the Daily Star.   

Depp, 41, won an Oscar nomination for his performance as Sparrow in last year's pirate movie.   

He based the Captain on Rolling Stones wildman Keith Richards.   

"We need even more of a comic element in the next two movies and I think Johnny would be great," he said.   

"He could play the first mate. I'm sure he will be up for it."