DNA tests reveal Benedict Cumberbatch and King Richard III are cousins!
It would appear that the Sherlock actor is the perfect choice to play King Richard III in the upcoming BBC drama The Hollow Crown: Richard III.
Sharing more than a close resemblance, DNA tests prove they are third cousins 16 times removed.
It is a modern-day twist that’s fit for the screen!
Professor Kevin Schurer of Leicester University said, “He is more direct because he’s a third cousin.
“Most other relatives would be much lower-order cousins.
“I think the Queen would be a third cousin several times removed as well.”
First look: Benedict as King Richard III in BBC’s The Hollow Crown
The Queen and Benedict may not be Richard’s only relatives.
It’s estimated that between one million and 17 million people in the UK are connected in some way to the king. His remains were discovered buried beneath a council car park in Leicester in 2012.
