The movie star teamed up with TV personality Chris Jacobs to convince the actress her beloved 1968 Ford Mustang had been stolen, and hidden cameras caught her anger and frustration when extras, pretending to be bumbling detectives, showed up to investigate the 'crime'.

However, the car was not missing - Depp had arranged for in-demand car designer Chip Foose to give the motor a makeover as part of U.S. TV series Overhaulin'.

Heard's father was also in on the joke, and joined Depp and his daughter as they tried to stop the starstruck 'detectives' taking photos of them.

When host Jacobs revealed Heard was part of a practical joke, she comically lashed out at the "tricksters" who set her up.

Asked how difficult it was to keep his plans secret from his wife, Depp said, "There's only so many times you can change the subject."

Heard's car prank will feature in the final episode of Overhaulin', which will air on America's Velocity channel on 4 November (15). Foose turned her "beautiful piece of junk" into a cherry red sportscar.