[9:24] Benedict Cumberbatch, best actor nominee for his role in "The Imitation Game," and his wife Sophie Hunter arrive at the 87th Academy Awards
Benedict Cumberbatch, best actor nominee for his role in "The Imitation Game," and his wife Sophie Hunter arrive at the 87th Academy Awards in Hollywood, California February 22, 2015. Reuters/Lucas Jackson

“Sherlock” actor Benedict Cumberbatch, 38, and his wife Sophia Hunter, 37, are now proud parents of a baby boy. Hunter gave birth to their first child on Saturday, according to media reports.

Cumberbatch and Hunter are “delighted to announce the arrival of their beautiful son,” a spokesperson said, as quoted by The Independent. “We would kindly ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during these next few precious weeks."

Cumberbatch announced his engagement to Hunter, who is an opera director, playwright, actress and singer, in November 2014 through a classified ad in a newspaper. A couple of months later, the couple revealed that they are expecting their first child. They got married earlier this year in February. According to reports, the two first met at the set of “Burlesque Fairytales” in 2009.

It is being reported that the highly in demand actor did not go on a paternity leave. He reported back to work and began rehearsals for his upcoming play where he plays the titular character Hamlet. The new production of “Hamlet” will run from Aug 05 to Oct. 31, and in addition to Cumberbatch, the cast also includes “Game of Thrones” actor Ciaran Hinds and Anastasia Hille. The former will be seen in the role of Hamlet’s uncle, while the latter will be playing his mother Gertrude. The play is directed by Lyndsey Turner. Also the production is expected to be broadcast in U.K, U.S. and across Europe on Oct. 15.

Meanwhile, “Sherlock” Season 4 is expected to begin filming next year in spring. The one-off special episode, however, is expected to air this Christmas. It is set in the Victorian era and Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman will be seen donning Victorian costumes. It is Cumberbatch and Freeman’s busy acting schedules that have pushed ahead the shooting schedule of the three episodes of “Sherlock” Season 4, according to reports.

Both the actors, however, continue to remain committed to doing “Sherlock.” It is being said that the new season will see the consequences of what happened in the previous seasons. And “Sherlock” Season 4 is now expected to premiere sometime in year 2017.

You may contact the writer at a.shrivastava@IBTimes.com.au, with your comments and feedback.

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