Benedict Cumberbatch’s big Brexit challenge

Benedict Cumberbatch has a reputation as one of Britain’s finest actors. The Sherlock actor has won plaudits across the world. He is also politically engaged – previously ranting on-stage about the government’s response to the refugee crisis following a performance of Hamlet at the Barbican. According to the Daily Mail, Cumberbatch let it be known that he thought the government’s pledge to take 20,000 refugees was not enough, before — eloquently — concluding: ‘f— the politicians’. The comments led Mr S to ask: is Benedict Cumberbatch the new Russell Brand?

So, is his next job his greatest challenge yet? Mr S only asks after the Guardian reports that Cumberbatch has been cast as Vote Leave’s Dom Cummings in a new Channel 4 drama about the EU referendum.

Ahead of the EU referendum, the outspoken actor was one of several cultural figures who put their name to an open letter supporting the campaign to keep the UK in the EU.