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Johnny Depp arrives at Royal Courts for final day of libel trial
Photo: Phil Lewis/WENN

Johnny Depp shared an optimistic holiday message on social media following a tough 2020.

The actor posted a black-and-white snap of himself laughing at a bar with The Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan - famed for festive classic Fairytale of New York - from the set of Crock of Gold: A Few Rounds with Shane MacGowan, which Depp produced.

Reflecting on the past 12 months, which saw him lose his legal battle against publishers of British newspaper The Sun over a story in which he was described as a "wife beater" in reference to allegations of abuse from ex-wife Amber Heard, Depp looked forward to a "better time ahead".

"This year has been so hard for so many. Here's to a better time ahead," he penned. "Happy Holidays, everyone! My love and respect to you all. Eternally, JD."

The star's struggles saw him dropped from the forthcoming Fantastic Beasts sequel, with actor Mads Mikkelsen taking over his role as supervillain Gellert Grindelwald.

Despite the controversy, he was met with messages of support from rocker Patti Smith, who wrote, "We are yours eternally," and Stray Cats drummer Slim Jim Phantom, who added, "Love you, buddy. Any year, anytime."

Depp previously vowed to fight the ruling, stating in a November Instagram post: "The surreal judgment of the court in the UK will not change my fight to tell the truth and I confirm that I plan to appeal."

"My resolve remains strong and I intend to prove that the allegations against me are false," he wrote. "My life and career will not be defined by this moment in time."

Last week (ends27Dec20), Depp's legal counsel filed new documents in appeals court asking for a new trial.