British actress HELENA BONHAM CARTER was delighted when her director partner TIM BURTON cast her in SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET - she had dreamed of starring in the musical for 28 years.

The 41-year-old had fantasised about playing Mrs Lovett, who recycles Todd’s victims in some particularly unpleasant pies, since she was a teenager.

And the actress was delighted when she landed the part because she loves movies with gore.

She says, "It’s one of the best written roles for women ever. I loved it from the age of 13. I think I’ve always wanted to be Mrs Lovett."