Benedict Cumberbatch
Benedict CumberbatchReuters

Benedict Cumberbatch, who rose to fame following the success of BBC's "Sherlock," is reportedly dating "Fifty Shades of Grey" actress Dakota Johnson.

Rumors of Cumberbatch being taken started doing the rounds after Rebecca Eaton, producer of  Masterpiece Theatre hinted to New York Post's Page Six that fans might now have to find someone else to have a crush on. And although she refused to say who Cumberbatch's lady love was, fans of the actor soon zeroed in on Johnson.

The 37-year old actor was off the market and his rumoured girlfriend did not want to reveal her indentity, first reported  ShowbizSpy in April.

"Benedict has a new girlfriend," an insider told the gossip site last month, adding, "She isn't in the public eye and has quite a serious career, so [she] is keen to remain anonymous as long as possible."

This was followed by reports of the couple being on a dinner date in New York in May, 2014 after attending the Met Gala.

However, none of the actors has confirmed the dating rumors.

Cumberbatch split from his former girlfriend, actress and screenwriter Olivia Poulet, in 2010 after dating her for more than a decade. But despite ending their relationship, the couple remains friends.

"It happened very gradually, very mutually. We are still good friends. There is no acrimony. I love her, adore her, always will," he told ShowbizSpy.

At the time he also said that he wasn't in a hurry to get married and settle down.

"It is a wonderful thing to get married young and become a father. I used to think that I'd get married in my mid-30s and have children. But now I think I can wait. I'm no longer in a hurry to get married."

Speaking about what he looks for in a woman, Cumberbatch said that humor is an important quality he looks for in his partner.

"A woman who knows that she doesn't have to get all decked out to look good is sexy. A woman who can make you feel smart with her conversation skills is also sexy. I believe the sense of humour is important," he told Entertainmentwise. "I also think someone who is good at working with others is sexy. It's like playing a tennis doubles match. You need to be able to work well together if you are to stay as partners for a long time."

Johnson, on her part, was previously linked to Jordan Masterson.