Benedict Cumberbatch had to learn how to take heroin for a new TV role.
The ‘Patrick Melrose’ actor had to do plenty of research for his role in the upcoming Sky Atlantic drama – which sees him play a posh drug addict – which included getting taught how to "shoot up".
He told The Sun newspaper: "This is a very experienced junkie. So learning how to shoot up, and the effect on body and mind, was of paramount importance."
The 41-year-old actor also consulted former addicts, including Edward St Aubyn, who wrote the autobiographical novels that inspired the series.
The ‘Doctor Strange’ star recently admitted he is critical of his own acting performances, and that his criticism of himself is "sharper than anyone would ever suspect".
Opening up on his own take on Patrick Melrose, he said: "You always approach a much-loved literary character with trepidation. Because I know I’m not making the movie I have in my head as a reader of these books, let alone everyone else who comes to it with their expectations … I’m not perfect casting in everyone’s eyes. And on top of that there’s my own criticism, which is probably sharper than anyone would ever suspect. I’m my own worst critic, I really am. It’s both a godsend and a curse."
Meanwhile, the actor – who has Christopher, two, and Hal, 13 months, with his wife Sophie Hunter – finds it "horrible" watching back his performances because he is "brutally" honest with himself.
He explained: "It’s different when you’ve got a producer’s hat on. If you’re front and centre, that’s really hard. I’m excited about the moment when I’m not in something and I can look at it with more more distance, but it’s very peculiar. It’s always horrible – the way you look, the way you do things. It’s just horrible. Trust me, the internet’s full of hate but it’s nothing compared to the self-critic in your head for brutality. I’ve said it all before they have."
Benedict Cumberbatch learned to ‘shoot up’ heroin for new role
