Love mystery of Holmes and his naked co-star: TV seduction 'turns to real romance' for star couple

As a whip-wielding dominatrix, she played the only woman capable of seducing the emotionally detached Sherlock Holmes.

Now life is imitating fiction for actress Lara Pulver, who has struck up an ‘affectionate’ relationship with Benedict Cumberbatch, who played the troubled detective in BBC1’s latest adaptation.

The pair, both 36, radiated an on-screen chemistry in the sexually charged episode A Scandal In Bohemia, in which Pulver appeared naked as Irene Adler.



Life imitating fiction: Benedict and Lara in BBC1's Sherlock

And last Thursday they were openly flirtatious when they attended the Specsavers Crime Thriller Awards together.



Cumberbatch brought his former co-star along as his ‘plus one’ as he collected the Best Actor award.



Another guest at the bash at Grosvenor House hotel on London’s Park Lane said: ‘They were completely engrossed with each other, taking photographs, holding hands, cuddling and laughing. Lara was following Benedict around the room.



They were very affectionate together and Lara even tweeted a photograph of Benedict with his award.’

Pulver, who divorced US actor Joshua Dallas last year, has previously been linked to another co-star, Raza Jaffrey, 36.



Scoop: Cumberbatch scooped Best Actor award

They worked together on BBC1’s Spooks.



Meanwhile, Harrow-educated Cumberbatch said of Sherlock’s on-screen chemistry with seductress Irene: ‘Is there a sexual element to it? Without a doubt there is.



But … it’s a game of chess, and it’s a very cruel, cruel game of love, if it is love.’

The New Year’s Day episode attracted 100 complaints for its raunchy scenes, but BBC drama boss Ben Stephenson said: ‘Just because you’re on pre-watershed doesn’t mean you have to be dull.’

Cumberbatch, who previously dated actress Olivia Poulet for 12 years, recently admitted he is seeking a new love.



He said: ‘I’m building a home at the moment and it would be nice to fill that home with love and life and children.’

Last night, Lara’s spokesman said ‘No comment’, while a spokesman for Cumberbatch did not return calls.

Getting closer: The pair attended the Crime Thriller Awards together last week