'It's normal in my country' Benedict Cumberbatch explains engagement announcement
HE ANNOUNCED his engagement to Sophie Hunter in The Times last week and Benedict Cumberbatch has since explained on American TV it is British tradition.
Benedict Cumberbatch has opened up about THAT engagement announcement, last week
It was a way of telling our friends who we hadn’t been able to tell before (they saw) some grainy shot of a ring on her finger
Speaking during an interview with USA Today, the movie star told the show host it was an efficient way to tell his friends about the engagement.
He said: "It’s what I would have done if I wasn’t famous.
"It’s a normal thing to do in my country. It was a way of telling our friends who we hadn’t been able to tell before (they saw) some grainy shot of a ring on her finger."
The 38-year-old actor subtly announced the news choosing to put a forthcoming marriage announcement in a national newspaper.
Sat on page 57, the announcement read: "Mr B.T. Cumberbatch and Miss S.I. Hunter. The engagement is announced between Benedict, son of Wanda and Timothy Cumberbatch of London, and Sophie, daughter of Katherine Hunter of Edinburgh and Charles Hunter of London."
The star said it was 'normal' to put an announcement in the paper
The star's fiance has chosen to stay out of the limelight
The news came as something of a shock to Benedict's legion of female fans; he kept his romance with the 36-year-old theatre director under wraps.
The couple were first pictured together publicly in June this year at the French Open, but they met when starring opposite each other in 2009's Burlesque Fairytales.
Speaking last year about who is ideal girlfriend would be, the 'Sherlock' star said: "A woman who knows that she doesn’t have to get all decked out to look good is sexy.
"A woman who can make you feel smart with her conversation skills is also sexy. I believe the sense of humour is important. I also think someone who is good at working with others is sexy.
"It’s like playing a tennis doubles match. You need to work well together if you are to stay partners for a long time," he added.