HOLLYWOOD star Johnny Depp's seven-year-old daughter Lily-Rose was seriously ill in hospital last night.
The devastated actor and his partner Vanessa Paradis, who also have a four-year-old son, John Jack, are keeping a round-the-clock vigil at Lily-Rose's bedside.
She was rushed to a hospital in Britain nine days ago after suddenly falling ill.
Details of her condition and exactly where she is being treated are being kept secret.
A hospital source said: "Lily is a very sick little girl and Johnny has hardly left her side. It is heartbreaking for him to see her in this state.
"She really is very poorly but he is a devoted dad and is spending as much time as he can with her."
Depp, 43, has been using a staff entrance to get into the hospital and arriving in a blacked-out car with minders.
But hospital staff immediately recognised him when he arrived.
The source said: "He has not asked for any special favours but just wants the best for his child, like any parent. It is such a difficult time for him but he is hanging in there for the sake of his daughter and the whole family is just praying that she gets better and is taking each day as it comes.
"It's been an emotional rollercoaster for all of them and he's been worrying himself silly. He wouldn't wish this on anyone and has been finding it hard keeping it together."
Depp, who has been shooting Sweeney Todd in Britain with Edward Scissorhands director Tim Burton, is a dedicated father who often talks about how his children have transformed his life.
"You can't plan the kind of deep love that results in children," he said.
"Fatherhood was not a conscious decision. It was part of the wonderful ride I was on. All the math finally worked.
"I just want to watch my kids grow up and make sure they're healthy and happy,
"They are the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. I have never in my life thought it was possible to feel such profound, deep love.
"Being a dad has given me great strength, great perspective, great calm. I'ma homebody. More than anything, I love being with my family."
Depp and French actress and singer Paradis, 34, have been together for nine years.
The publicist for Sweeney Todd and Depp's LA publicist, Robin Baum, declined to comment on Lily-Rose's illness.
I really hope she'll be okay...kids suddenly falling so ill is never a good sign 
But they seem like such a wonderful, cohesive family, so hopefully love and all kinds of support will get them through all this.
I hope there will be more -but this time positive- news soon.
