Benedict Cumberbatch is to receive a CBE at the Queen's birthday honours on Saturday.

The 12 Years a Slave actor will reportedly be given the award, which is one rank below a knighthood, for his services to drama despite being just 38 years old.

A source said: "Benedict is clearly very talented but a CBE is normally for those coming towards the end of their careers."

And although private and government nominations are ruled upon by a selection committee, some believe Benedict - who is expecting his first child with wife Sophie Hunter - is lucky to be recognised at such a young age.

(Image: Getty)

An insider told The Sun newspaper: "It's not as though he's a veteran actor such as John Hurt, who didn't get the CBE until he was 64."

The Star Trek Into Darkness star is thought to have been told about the honour a number of weeks ago and is believed to have accepted.

The news comes after the Imitation Game actor missed out on the Best Actor accolade at the Oscars earlier this year to fellow British star Eddie Redmayne as well failing to secure a BAFTA for the fifth time.

We think he'll be pretty happy to still be honoured by the Queen despite his trophy cabinet being a bit empty.