GETTY • BBC Benedict Cumberbatch has opened up about a love interest for Sherlock Holmes

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Speaking at a panel at the London Film and Comic-Con today, the 41-year-old said that there could only be one character his detective could be coupled with in the BBC hit series. “Now, there’s only one choice, isn’t there? Come on,” he told the audience of fans, before jokingly adding: “Doctor Watson.” He continued on a more serious note, explaining: “I think it would have to be Molly, wouldn’t it? Love for him, after all, would be thinking more - maybe that’s asking too much - maybe thinking as much of someone else as he thinks of himself.”

The Oscar-nominated actor also expanded on Sherlock’s flirtation with Irene Adler (played by Lara Pulver) in season two’s A Scandal in Belgravia. “Was that love? Was that lust? It was another form obsession in a way for him. He couldn’t let her go as was explored as John questions him,” he said. Benedict added: “It was probably better that that’s there in the world and he doesn’t really want to acknowledge it. It’s a secret for him.

GETTY Benedict Cumberbatch has opened up about a love interest for Sherlock Holmes

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“Love is something that’s unabashed and deeply private but not something to deem embarrassing and I don’t think he’s there yet.” Along with being asked about his role in Sherlock and Doctor Strange, he was also quizzed about whether he would be taking over the role of James Bond after current 007 Daniel Craig departs from the part. Benedict kept tight-lipped and simply told the audience “no comment” after getting grilled a couple of times about the British spy franchise.

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