Representatives of 'Sherlock' star Benedict Cumberbatch have broken the hearts of "Cumberbitches" around the world by debunking rumours that the actor was to be cast in 'Star Wars: Episode VII'.

Earlier this week rumours spread like wildfire that Cumberbatch could be in for a role after several meetings with 'Episode VII' director J.J. Abrams.

His representatives told New York's Daily News: "There is no truth to the rumour Benedict has been cast in 'Star Wars'."

"I think the rumours are circling because J.J. and Benedict have just recently had a wonderful time working together on 'Star Trek'," they continued.

A few weeks ago Cumberbatch left Guillermo Del Toro horror film 'Crimson Peak', which would have clashed with a potential 'Star Wars' role.

Of course there's still a slim possibility this is all PR dark arts at play, so don't rule it out completely. After all, Cumberbatch is a massive 'Star Wars' fan and admitted back in May that and Abrams had discussed the idea - in a jokey capacity.

He told Total Film: "I've already asked him if I can be a lightsaber and we're in talks - about whirring sounds and the rates for the lights and everything. I thought, 'Yeah, I grew up with them,' and I just looked recently at when they were released and now I'm like, 'No, I didn't grow up with them, I was born with them'."

"They were a huge part of my background, and my upbringing." the 37-year-old continued. "I loved them. I really, really loved those films and I always wanted to be Han Solo."

Source: Press Release