By Staff Writer (media@latinospost.com) | First Posted: Oct 20, 2014 12:20 AM EDT

Benedict Cumberbatch may be a low-key actor, but he's one of the most adulated ones, judging by his army of "Cumberb*tches." However, fans of the British thespian may be disappointed to know he's actually been dating a special lady all this time and is reportedly about to propose to her, the Daily Mail said.

"The handsome 'Sherlock' star flew to Edinburgh last week to see the mother of his girlfriend Sophie Hunter, prompting speculation he is preparing to ask for her daughter's hand in marriage," the publication said. "Benedict and Sophie have gone to great lengths to avoid being seen together in public since they first met in 2009, but broke cover recently to appear arm-in-arm at the wedding of the actor's old school pal, James Rhodes."

Could he be engaged by the end of the year? Will he be off the market by next year?

The relationship gained the spotlight when he was seen with a "mystery brunette" at a tennis game in Paris in June this year, Mirror said.

"The actor's leading lady is Oxford-educated theatre director Sophie Hunter, 36," the entertainment news source said. "The pair are said to have been in a steady relationship for a number of weeks and have been spotted out together many times recently."

Sophie is reportedly close to her mom Anna, who, when asked about her daughter's romantic liaison with the Star Trek star, said this: "Watch this space. You never know."

That sounds like a loaded statement. Cumberb*tches, prepare yourselves (and your hankies).

According to Fashion & Style, Sophie is also "a skilled pianist, equestrian, and singer."

She's also smart, which fans would agree is a requirement for the 38-year-old actor in choosing a partner in life. Even his own sister said so. "Cumberbatch's sister once said a woman would 'have to be a pretty smart cookie to keep up with him,' the news source said.

Here's what Benedict said when asked to reveal what's an ideal girlfriend for him, as noted by Mirror:

"A woman who knows that she doesn't have to get all decked out to look good is sexy," he began. "A woman who can make you feel smart with her conversation skills is also sexy. I believe the sense of humour is important. I also think someone who is good at working with others is sexy."

"It's like playing a tennis doubles match. You need to work well together if you are to stay partners for a long time," he added, referencing one of his favorite sports.

Incidentally, Sophie also likes tennis, which most likely added to her appeal in Benedict's eyes.

Meanwhile, Benedict is reportedly working on "something special for BBC One and BBC Two," BBC One said on its Facebook page recently, as noted by Mirror. No further details have been revealed yet, but it's wildly speculated he's probably making a "super-secret Sherlock special."

Watch this space for more updates!

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