Benedict Cumberbatch is “bemused and upset” after he was wrongly quoted accusing Jonny Lee Miller of taking the lead role in Elementary because he needed the money.

In a statement to the Hollywood Reporter, Cumberbatch wrote:"I am both bemused and upset at this misquote. I never said that Johnny took the job for the paycheck (sic) nor did I ask him not to do it.

"What I said is I would have preferred not to be in the situation where we will again be compared because we are friends. I know for a fact his motivations were to do with the quality of the script and the challenges of this exceptional role.

"It is baffling because I have only been supportive of an incredibly talented actor who I am proud to call a friend taking a job I know he is going to enjoy immensely and be wonderful in."

Cumberbatch, who worked with Miller in Danny Boyle's 2011 London play Frankenstein, insists he is looking forward to watching his friend on the show adding: "The world of Sherlock Holmes and the world that we live in now is big enough to take more than one interpretation. As a genuine Sherlock Holmes fan I am greatly looking forward to his series."