Cumberbatch's ex moves on with younger actor

Benedict Cumberbatch's former flame Olivia Poulet (pictured) is engaged to another Sherlock actor, nine years his junior. Photo / Getty

The actress who broke Benedict Cumberbatch's heart, has announced her engagement to another Sherlock Holmes actor - nine years his junior.

Olivia Poulet, 37-year-old star of The Thick Of It, has found lasting love with Laurence Dobiesz, 30, who appeared in Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes film A Game of Shadows as an Austrian maitré d'.

Olivia Poulet with new fiance Laurence Dobiesz, who had a role in the Sherlock Holmes film.

TV Sherlock star Cumberbatch dated Poulet for ten years until 2011, but their relationship is said to have cooled when he said he wanted children.

Though the split was said to be "amicable" at the time close friends claimed last night it was Poulet who called time on Cumberbatch.

The pair met at University of Manchester, where both studied drama and later shared a home in Hampstead, North London.

Cumberbach announced his wish to be a father in 2010: "I have been broody for five years,"he said.

"The big question is "When?" I think I'd like it before I'm 35 . . . I would love to have the ability to juggle a career and have a young child."

Following their separation, the actor went on to star in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy with Colin Firth, which launched his film career.

Poulet was born in Putney, South-West London, into a high-achieving family.

Her mother is a judge and her, brother, Jamie, a neuroscientist.

Two years ago, she disclosed she was dating another actor, "I seem to have a taste for them", whom she declined to name.

Cumberbatch married 37-year-old theatre director Sophie Hunter in February this year, and she gave birth to their son in June.

After her split with Cumberbatch, Poulet was never keen to talk about her ex.

"We are absolutely grand and adore each other, but it's just difficult if every interview is about me going out with Benedict," she said.

- Daily Mail