Benedict Cumberbatch could return to Sherlock

Benedict Cumberbatch will "never say never" to a new series of 'Sherlock'.

The 45-year-old actor hasn't played Sherlock Holmes since 2017 and although he thinks the BBC series has "had it's moment for now", he won't rule out reprising the role again in the future.

He said: “Oh look, I still say never say never. You know, I really like that character… it’s just, the circumstances need to be right and I think maybe it’s too soon now to see it have another life. I think, wonderful as it is, it’s had its moment for now. But that’s not to say it wouldn’t have another iteration in the future.”

But asked for the percentage changes of him returning, he added in an interview with Esquire magazine: “It wouldn’t be fair on anyone else involved – I’m not going to be drawn into that. No, no, no.”

The 'Doctor Strange' star also refused to give his blessing to the role being given to someone else.

Asked the possibility, he simply said: “That’s not for me to comment on."

Meanwhile, 'Sherlock' co-creator and writer, Mark Gatiss, admitted they never considered anyone else for the role when they were first casting the series.

He said: “Sherlock was essentially the perfect match of actor and part.

"Having taken the plunge on a modern-day Sherlock Holmes, everything about Benedict, his age, his look, his ‘otherness’ marked him out. We drew up a huge list of possible Sherlocks but, in the end, we saw no-one but him.”

Earlier this year, Martin Freeman - who played John Watson on the show - suggested a movie was more likely than a new series of 'Sherlock'.

He said: "I think [a film] is possible. It might be more likely [than a series].

“I think we’ve all left it so that it’s not a full stop, it’s just a big ellipsis or a big pause.

"To be honest, I’m a big believer in not outstaying your welcome, but I really liked doing it. I’m very proud of the show.

"It’s been a while now, it’s four years since a new one was on TV, so maybe the more likely thing is a one-off.”