Cumberbatch : Baby boy for ‘Sherlock’ actor and wife Sophie Hunter

Benedict Cumberbatch has become the proud father to a baby boy.

The news means it is a double celebration for the British actor who has been named a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

He was recognised for his services to the performing arts and charity.

Cumberbatch, 38, married actress Sophie Hunter, 37, in a private ceremony in February.

They had announced their engagement in a notice in The Times newspaper three months before.

A spokesman for the couple said: “Benedict Cumberbatch and Sophie Hunter are delighted to announce the arrival of their beautiful son.

“We would kindly ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during these next few precious weeks.”

The pair met when they appeared together in the 2009 film Burlesque Fairytales.

Cumberbatch, who found fame a few years ago as detective Sherlock Holmes in the TV series, missed out on winning the best actor Oscar this year.

The star had been nominated for his role as code-breaking genius Alan Turing in The Imitation Game.

Cumberbatch has starred in other Hollywood blockbusters, including Star Trek: Into Darkness and 12 Years A Slave.

Agencies/Canadajournal