Johnny Depp is to make a cameo appearance in Family Guy.

The Dark Shadows actor will return to his title role from 1990 movie Edward Scissorhands for a brief gag in the adult animation. The 49-year-old star initially struggled to get back into character, but found inspiration by watching clips from the film.

"When he was in the booth, he said that he felt like he hadn't done that voice since he did it in front of the camera. [But] he was able to snap right back into Edward Scissorhands once we pulled up a clip from the movie," Family Guy executive producer Mark Hentemann told Entertainment Weekly.

Johnny impressed everyone involved in the show with his performance - particularly the female cast and crew members. "He was amazing - and demonstrated extraordinary patience with all the fawning women in our office who swarmed him," he added.

Though it is not clear when Johnny's appearance will broadcast, the new series of Family Guy returns to TV on September 30.