Cumberbatch scared of the catwalk

Benedict Cumberbatch has revealed that he found his modelling debut "terrifying".

The bare-footed Sherlock star took to the catwalk in a black robe and trousers with a cigar and glass of whisky for menswear label Spencer Hart at London's Old Selfridges hotel.

"I've done more exposing things in the past and that was without doubt the most nervous I've ever been - it was terrifying," he told GQ.com.

He joked: "I seemed relaxed? Maybe because I downed some of the prop beforehand. It's all smoke and mirrors. But it was good fun and it's a great adrenaline rush."

Benedict - who was watched by model David Gandy, Suede frontman Brett Anderson and Hollyoaks' Oliver Jackson-Cohen - said his unlikely inspiration came from Playboy founder Hugh Hefner.

"I was going for a slightly younger, less aged Hugh Hefner. All respect to the man himself," he said.

The actor, who is a fan of the fashion label, added: "Spencer Hart is my armourer. Nick Hart's style is that sort of Rat Pack cool with a modern twist. It's really understated style, which just really appeals to me. I've always had a fascination with that era of Hollywood."