London, Sep 13 (IANS): Actor Benedict Cumberbatch thinks his sex symbol status is a "reflection and appreciation" of his work.

The 39-year-old says no one ever found him attractive until he played the title role in TV show “Sherlock” and believes people only think he is sexy because they are drawn to the character, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

“I was never seen as sexy by anyone until 'Sherlock' came along and so I understand (being seen as a sex symbol) more as a reflection and appreciation of the work, rather than my own natural magnetism,” Cumberbatch told Britain's OK! Magazine.

"I certainly remember when I was an adolescent and despairing why girls weren't interested in me. I've always maintained that 'Sherlock' is sexy and people are merely projecting his cold, brilliant, charming, flawed self onto me.

“He's an extraordinary man whose appeal lies in being so very different and difficult and someone whom people find strikingly attractive and compelling. He's the ultimate outsider hero,” he added.