Cumberbatch to seek less innuendo-friendly stage role

Benedict Cumberbatch has today announced that the potential for innuendo around his Hamlet has made the role untenable.

"Giving my Hamlet proper attention over the last few months has been a huge challenge," said Cumberbatch.

"It's very long and very hard."

He went on: "I've thrashed it out and given my Hamlet a really good going-over, but I was unprepared for the sheer weight of double entendre associated with the part."

The actor reiterated his request that, in the production's final weeks, theatregoers not film his Hamlet.

"It's hard enough when you're airing your Hamlet in a packed theatre. But when people start filming your Hamlet, it can be very difficult to concentrate.

"I can't soliloquise properly. My wife says it happens to most men but I think she's just trying to spare my feelings.

"Plus I wish they wouldn't put videos of my Hamlet on the internet. It's quite cold on stage."

Asked whether he had another project lined up, the Sherlock star confirmed: "Yes, I'm going to be starring in a new production of Neil Simon's Come Blow Your Horn."