Benedict Cumberbatch is "so proud" of his friend Judge Rinder on 'Strictly Come Dancing'.

Benedict Cumberbatch

Benedict Cumberbatch

The 40-year-old actor has been trying to tune in to the ballroom and latin show every week to watch his good friend - whose real name is Robert Rinder - hit the dance floor with his professional partner Oksana Platero because he thinks he's doing such a good job.

Speaking on 'This Morning' on Wednesday (26.10.16), he said of the television star: "He's a friend, I am so proud of him! I watched a bit of [his court show] 'Judge Rinder' but I know Rob Rinder and watching him on this is phenomenal."

However, although he takes his hat off to the barrister, the 'Sherlock' star is adamant he'd never agree to take part in the competition himself because his dancing skills aren't up to scratch.

He said when asked if he'd sign up to it in the future: "I'm nowhere near their standards."

Benedict met Rinder at university in Manchester and they've been friends ever since.

The Hollywood hunk even asked the law professional to be his best man at his wedding when he tied the knot with his beautiful partner Sophie Hunter last year.

A source said at the time: "Benedict had three best men, but only one was famous - and that was Judge Rinder. There was speculation that he chose another actor, but he wanted genuine old friends in the role. They kept it pretty quiet. They were friends before either found fame."

Meanwhile, in between watching his friend on 'Strictly...' and filming his new movie 'Doctor Strange', Benedict has thrown himself back into shooting the fourth series of 'Sherlock'.

The hunk - who portrays the handsome detective Sherlock Holmes in the popular drama - can't wait for fans to see the forthcoming installment of the mystery show as it's the "best ever."

He said of the next series: "What I will say in general again is nothing new unfortunately, we try and up our game every time.

"This will be the best series ever and there are moments in it that are just jaw dropping and that's kind of the nearest we get to the impact from the audience is reading the script."