Benedict Cumberbatch slams 'pathetic' co-star Martin Freeman

He plays the kooky titular detective who has a close bond with his crime solving partner Dr. John Watson but off-screen it couldn't be further from the truth.

And Benedict Cumberbatch took a swipe at Martin Freeman as he branded his fellow actor's reaction to fan pressure as 'pathetic' in The Daily Telegraph interview.

The actor, 41, was at odds with his Sherlock Holmes co-star's opinion after Martin claimed he couldn't enjoy shooting scenes because of the hype around the series.

Benedict lashed out at Martin as he claimed his perception of fans' excitement surrounding the show was 'pretty pathetic'.

He told the newspaper: 'It's pretty pathetic if that's all it takes to let you not want to take grip of your reality. What, because of expectations? I don't know. I don't necessarily agree with that.'

In late March, Martin divulged he didn't enjoy working on the series anymore because of the responses to the hotly-anticipated television show.

He told the newspaper: 'Being in that show, it is a mini-Beatles thing. People's expectations, some of it's not fun any more. It's not a thing to be enjoyed.'

Benedict and Martin play the iconic BFFs and crime solving buddies Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson in the series that started in 2009.

Despite working closely over many years, they reportedly haven't nurtured a close relationship as the pair don't even socialise outside work.

Tensions brewing between the duo means the actors aren't keen to work together on a fifth season of the show — despite the fan hype around the detective series.

In January last year, a source told The Sun: 'Benedict and Martin aren't mates and they don't spend time together away from the show.

'They're professional and very polite to each other but there's not the warmth you'd expect after filming together for six years. There isn't a huge desire to come back for another season.'