Benedict Cumberbatch leaves Sherlock set with a minder following recent race row
BENEDICT Cumberbatch was criticised last week for using the term "coloured actors" during an appearance on US talk show Tavis Smiley.
Benedict Cumberbatch was spotted leaving the Sherlock set with a bodyguard
The actor was seen for the first time following his controversial and "outdated" comments as he continued filming the Sherlock Christmas special, and it seems he's being particularly cautious about his safety.
The newly-engaged 38-year-old was sporting a number of heavy layers when he was spotted in Bristol, while surrounded by extras dressed in traditional Victorian outfits.
Dressed in a long black coat, complete with thick fur-lined hood, the TV star - who plays the title role in the BBC1 drama - was kept a close eye on by his burly minder.
His bodyguard was seen helping Benedict, who was also dressed in a smart white shirt and tie, into his awaiting car.
The actor's outing was her first following the recent race row
The star's minder was seen helping him into the car
Reports have suggested that The Imitation Game star had a permanent bodyguard with him at all times during Friday's shoot.
The star's appearance comes just days after he said he had been "an idiot" for using the phrases in a conversation about the lack of diversity on British screens.
Benedict issued a statement in which he offered his "sincere apologies" on Tuesday.
He said: "I'm devastated to have caused offence by using this outmoded terminology. I offer my sincere apologies. I make no excuse for my being an idiot and know the damage is done."
The newly engaged TV regular later teamed his thick coat with a flat cap
He was in Bristol to film the Sherlock Christmas special
Benedict had been filming the Sherlock Christmas Special with Martin Freeman
Meanwhile the BBC confirmed last year that the popular detective show would return in 2015 with a special, followed by a fourth series consisting of three episodes.
And the latest set took on epic proportions, as an entire street was transformed to look as though it belonged in the 19th century.
As the series' popularity shows no sign of waning, it was announced that the first episode of Sherlock's third series was the most watched show on iPlayer in 2014.
Sherlock Actors Seen Filming For The Christmas Special In Bristol - Fame Flynet
Martin Freeman didn't have a burly minder as he made his way to his car