Why the future of 'Sherlock' is in the balance

Their onscreen characters have endured a complicated and strained relationship on the latest series of Sherlock.

And that tension may have translated into real life, as Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman are said to be 'hardly close' and reportedly never socialise outside of the show.

The duo, who embody Sherlock and his sidekick Dr John Watson, are also not especially keen to come back for a fifth season, according to The Sun.

An insider told the newspaper: 'Benedict and Martin aren't mates and they don't spend time together away from the show.

'They're professional and very polite to each other but there's not the warmth you'd expect after filming together for six years.

'There isn't a huge desire to come back for another season.'

MailOnline has contacted reps for Martin and Benedict for comment.

It comes as Sherlock fans went wild over its 'gory' series finale as it caused a divide between 'confused' viewers.

- Daily Mail