Benedict Cumberbatch reignites Star Wars 7 rumours: 'I probably shouldn't be saying this...'

The Sherlock actor told Graham Norton that he visited JJ Abrams' film set

Benedict Cumberbatch has refused to deny his involvement in the upcoming new Star Wars film (PA)

Benedict Cumberbatch has sparked fresh speculation over a possible role in Star Wars: Episode VII after refusing to deny his involvement in the movie.

The Sherlock star can be seen discussing the popular sci-fi franchise on tonight's Graham Norton Show, during which he admitted dropping by the film set.

Cumberbatch has worked with director JJ Abrams before, on Star Trek Into Darkness, which might explain his visit.

"I went to the set. It was incredible," he said, before seemingly regretting his revelation and answering subsequent questions with "no comment".

"I probably shouldn't be saying these things," he said.

The 38-year-old actor shot down Star Wars rumours earlier this year when he told fans at Oz Comic Con that he "would've liked a part but it won’t happen sadly".

Cumberbatch is busy promoting his latest film, The Imitation Game, in which he plays persecuted World War II codebreaker Alan Turing alongside Keira Knightley.

Miranda Hart, Timothy Spall and Maroon 5 join him on Graham Norton's couch this week.

Meanwhile, filming for the upcoming Star Wars instalment is due to wrap within the next three weeks, according to producer Kathleen Kennedy.

Original Star Wars actor Warwick Davis revealed last week that he is on board for the sequel, while his co-stars Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Kenny Baker and Peter Mayhew are also returning.

John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Domhnall Gleeson and Lupita Nyong'o are among the franchise's new faces.

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Star Wars: Episode VII is set for release on 18 December 2015 and The Graham Norton Show airs on BBC1 tonight at 10.35pm.