Benedict Cumberbatch ‘seriously’ wanted to do EastEnders, says show boss

Benedict Cumberbatch ‘seriously’ wanted to appear in EastEnders, the show’s executive producer has confirmed.

Dominic Treadwell-Collins, who steps down from his role on the soap this week, has revealed that they were close to signing the Sherlock star.

Speaking to the Radio Times, he said: “Ben Cumberbatch has said that he seriously wanted to do EastEnders if he had the time. So I toyed with him for a while.

Despite considering giving the A-lister a cameo part, Treadwell-Collins admitted that he thought it would be too gimmicky.

“It would have been too unreal and flashy,” he said. “I've got to think about the show going on. That week isn't the end, it's the start of other stories.”

While he might be better known for his love of Shakespeare than his love of soaps, Cumberbatch has revealed that he is a fan of the acting talent in Albert Square.

Last year he said: “It's EastEnders for me next.

“Jessie [Wallace] is really lovely and the first time I met her was at an awards show.

“She just shouts ‘you’re f****** brilliant’ and I just shout it back. I think she’s amazing.”

Fans might have a little while to wait before Cumberbatch arrives in Walford as the star has a number of big films in the pipeline.

Having just finished filming Dr Strange, the actor is set to star in Gary Oldman’s Flying horse, as well as Andy Serkis’s Jungle Book and the new series of Sherlock.