A FROSTY relationship between Sherlock stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman may have ended hopes for another series.

Pals say the pair are “hardly close” while filming the BBC detective drama and spend their time apart in between shoots.

6 Sherlock stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman may have ended hopes for another series Credit: n/a

Co-creator Steven Moffat has already said the future of the show depends on the two actors’ busy Hollywood schedules and their willingness to return.

It comes as the series four finale pulled in the show’s lowest-ever audience with a peak of 6.2million on Sunday. A source said: “Benedict and Martin aren’t mates and they don’t spend time together away from the show.

6 The pair are “hardly close” while filming the BBC detective drama and spend their time apart in between shoots Credit: PA:Press Association

6 The series four finale pulled in the show’s lowest-ever audience with a peak of 6.2million on Sunday Credit: 3

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6 Sources said of Freeman and Cumberbatch's relationship: “They’re professional and very polite to each other but there’s not the warmth you’d expect after filming together for six years Credit: 1

6 Martin Freeman, who plays Dr John Watson, admitted he and Benedict Cumberbatch barely spoke away from the show Credit: PA:Press Association

“They’re professional and very polite to each other but there’s not the warmth you’d expect after filming together for six years. There isn’t a huge desire to come back for another season.”

Last week, Martin, 45, who plays Dr John Watson, admitted he and Benedict, 40, barely spoke away from the show.

6 Show co-creator Steven Moffat has already said the future of the show depends on the two actors’ busy Hollywood schedules Credit: PA:Press Association

Fans are also suggesting there will not be a fifth series after the latest did not end on a cliffhanger like the previous ones.

Moffat said: “We really don’t know about the future.”