Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. 

Benedict Cumberbatch explains his old school wedding announcement to Sophie Hunter

The actor said it’s what he would have done “if I wasn’t famous”

Ella Alexander
Tuesday 11 November 2014 10:18 GMT
Comments
Actor Benedict Cumberbatch is one of our straight allies
Actor Benedict Cumberbatch is one of our straight allies (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Benedict Cumberbatch surprised both the public and the press with his admirably discreet engagement announcement last week, publishing a small notification in the classified section of The Times.

Eschewing months of media speculation and paparazzi hounding, the Sherlock Holmes actor opted for a quieter, traditional route.

He will marry British director and actress Sophie Hunter.

“It’s what I would have done if I wasn’t famous,” he told USA Today.

“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 announcement read:

Hunter and Cumberbatch acted alongside each other in 2009 film Burlesque Fairytales, set in a Thirties London theatre.

His friend Matthew Goode agreed that it was “old school”, adding, “I like that.”

Talking at a Chanel-hosted screening of Cumberbatch’s new film, The Imitation Game, in Los Angeles Goode said that plans for a stag do were in the pipeline.

“He’s getting on a plane so we won’t have much time,” said Goode. “We’ll do it in New York maybe, at my place.”

In addition to being an award-winning director, Hunter is also bilingual (she studied at Oxford), a highly skilled equestrian, pianist and athlete. She’s also recorded an album with Guy Chambers, in which she sang in French and she breezily runs four theatre companies.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in