Rising British star Orlando Bloom made his big screen debut as a rentboy in 'Wilde', before shooting to international fame as Legolas in the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy. Now, he's doing his Errol Flynn bit in 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl', opposite long-time hero Johnny Depp. The snowball keeps rolling for Bloom, who'll next be seen in biographical drama 'Ned Kelly', 'Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King', and next year's sword-'n'-sandals epic, 'Troy'.

Chatting with Orlando, his hair not so long, his looks not so browned and rugged, his eyes sparkling youthfulness, I first made the comment that Johnny Depp had modelled his pirate on Keith Richards and so therefore wondered which pop star had he modeled his own character on? "I didn't! I didn't model him on anyone, actually. I'd love to be Johnny Depp, though. It was cool, because Johnny created this incredible drunken sea-legged Keith Richards character which really didn't read like that on the page. It was amazing to see it. And my character was this earnest, true blue, straight shooting guy."

What did you think when you saw what Johnny was doing with his character? "Well, I didn't know what to think at first. I mean, I knew he'd bring something unique to it the way he always does with his roles. I just didn't know what it would be and when I saw it, it was fantastic. I think the studio was a bit nervous about it at first, and then they got it. But for me, as a young actor, to see somebody like Johnny who creates a character from nothing, it's great."

The movie looks like it must have been a lot of fun to make! Was it?! "Yes, it was just the most fun I've ever had. I got to work with one of my heroes, Johnny Depp, and to see how he goes about business, which was really inspiring for me at this stage in my career. Gore Verbinski, the director, was a great guy and Jerry Bruckheimer's super cool! I've worked with him before [on 'Black Hawk Down'] and he knows how to make things go off with a bang."

And how do you feel about being a sex symbol? "I find it nerve-wracking. I just don't take it seriously, you know. It's all kind of new for me and hopefully I won't let it get to me too much."