In an interview with The Big Issue in November, Benedict, 38, appeared to hint at his impending fatherhood when he said how he was starting to “step back a little more” and spend time with his loved ones.

“As I get older I increasingly feel the need to step back, ask what I’m neglecting, what do other people need of me. I want to be more impulsive, to be able to suddenly go away for the weekend. Whenever I get the rare chance to be impulsive I grab it with both hands, which is why I do stupid things sometimes. Having said that, I don’t know how long I’ll ride a motorbike for. I’m sure if and when I become a dad I won’t want to do that any more.”

The actor is currently up for a Golden Globe for his role as Alan Turing in The Imitation Game and it's also thought he'll be nominated in both the Baftas and the Oscars.

Benedict Cumberbatch and Sophie Hunter confirm they are expecting their first child