Keira Knightley is making a surprise return to the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise after denying she would be involved.

The Mirror can reveal that the actress has secretly shot scenes for the upcoming fifth installment of the popular Disney series, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, due to be released in May.

The 31-year-old, who carved her name in Hollywood playing swash-buckling Elizabeth Swann, filmed top secret scenes at Shepperton studios last month opposite long standing co-stars Johnny Depp, 53, and Orlando Bloom, 39.

A movie insider reveals: “The top-secret one-day shoot took place in November and the set was in lock-down. “Keira was really excited to reprise the character that made her famous and get into her wigs and costume again.

(Image: Disney)

“Her role will be only make a small return during the end credits to delivering killer lines hinting at a possible bigger part in sixth movie.”

Speaking in 2014 when asked if she would be returning Keira said: “No, I don’t think so. It was an amazing point in my life, but it was a good five year chunk. I can’t really imagine going back to it.”