Matt Smith has insisted that he knows nothing of rumours suggesting that Benedict Cumberbatch is joining Doctor Who.

It had previously been reported that the Sherlock star would be taking on the role of his character’s nemesis ‘The Master’ in the next series of the BBC sci-fi show, however Matt – who plays the titular Time Lord – says as far as he knows, it is all just speculation.

Matt said:

“I know Ben and I’ve not heard anything about it. But he’s a wonderful actor and a mate.”

It was recently announced that Benedict has joined the cast of director J. J. Abrams’s Untitled Star Trek sequel, which will be released in May 2013.

Matt thinks this particular career development, would hinder Cumberbatch in starring in anything else. he added:

“I think he’s a bit busy being a Star Trek villain, and he’s Sherlock Holmes of course, so he’s a busy man.”

Benedict previously revealed that in 2008 he had discussed with David Tennant taking over the part of The Doctor, before it was awarded to Matt Smith, but later decided not to try for the role.

The 35 year old will next co-star with Rebecca Hall as Christopher and Sylvia Tietjens in Parade’s End, a forthcoming BBC/HBO television miniseries, expected for release in 2012.

Would you like to Benedict as The Master? Leave your comments below….