Actor Benedict Cumberbatch announces engagement to theatre director Sophie Hunter 'after flying to Edinburgh to ask her mother's permission'

He sets pulses racing as a Hollywood megastar - but Benedict Cumberbatch is now off the market after becoming engaged to theatre director Sophie Hunter.

A spokesperson for the star confirmed the news to MailOnline - although it is not yet known when the pair will walk down the aisle. The Mail On Sunday recently reported that the 38-year-old flew to Edinburgh to ask her mother's permission for her daughter's hand in marriage. Sophie, 36, is said to be close to her mother Anna after her parents divorced when she was a child.

The engagement was revealed in a newspaper announcement, with the actor's parents taking out an advertisement in the marriages section of The Times. The piece reads: 'Mr BT. Cumberbatch and Miss S.I. Hunter: The engagement is announced between Benedict, son of Wanda and Timothy Cumberbatch of London, and Sophie, daughter of Katharine Hunter of Edinburgh and Charles Hunter of London.'

Benedict and Oxford-educated Sophie have gone to great lengths to avoid being seen together in public since they first met in 2009. They were first seen publicly together this June at the French Open but they first met when starring opposite each other in Burlesque Fairytales in 2009. The pair were last seen together at London restaurant Quaglino's, but they arrived separately and were keen not to be pictured together. Sophie was also Benedict's date at the wedding of the actor’s old school pal, James Rhodes, but it is believed she has wanted to remain anonymous since the beginning of their relationship.

Benedict once revealed he's a fan of women who don't take themselves too seriously. '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 be able to work well together if you are to stay as partners for a long time.'

The Sunday Mirror reports that when asked about her daughter's relationship with the Star Trek actor, Sophie's mum Anna cryptically told the paper: 'Watch this space. You never know.’

Marriage is clearly very important to the heart throb and last year he told Elle Japan: 'It's a wonderful thing to get married young and become a father. I used to think that I'd get married by my mid-thirties and have children. 'But now I think I can wait. I'm no longer in a hurry to get married.' He also said: 'I would like to first get to know the partner and build a trusting relationship before making the commitment.’

However, his sister ​Tracy Peacock previously hinted that has been looking for that special someone. She said: 'One of his regrets is that he hasn’t found someone to settle down with. You would have to be a pretty smart cookie to keep up with him. I think that is possibly why he has trouble with girlfriends.'

Cumberbatch previously spent ten years with The Thick Of It star Olivia Poulet, who it met while studying at Manchester University. Despite the couple calling time on their romance in 2010, Benedict told Vogue US they remain close: 'It happened very gradually, very mutually. We’re still very good friends. There was no acrimony. I love her, adore her, always will.' Since then, the Sherlock star has been linked with several high-profile women, including Star Trek co-star Alice Eve and Lord Of The Rings actress Liv Tyler. More recently, Cumberbatch has dated furniture designer Anna Jones, before apparently rekindling an old friendship with Russian model and actress Katia Elizarova.
Meanwhile, Benedict's film career is going from strength to strength. He has earned a nomination for the British Independent Awards as takes on the role of Enigma Code breaker Alan Turing in his latest movie, The Imitation Games alongside Keira Knightley. The film which was directed by Morten Tyldum is also up for the Best British Independent Film and Best Screenplay.

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk