Martin Freeman has revealed that he almost missed out on the role of Dr Watson in Sherlock.
The 42-year-old star of The Hobbit revealed to Radio Times, that his first audition was not successful after being a victim of robbery earlier in the day.
Freeman said that he felt distracted in the audition and meeting with producers, after he was targeted by a thief and had his wallet stolen.
"I'll admit maybe I was a bit stressed," said the actor, who stars alongside his real-life partner Amanda Abbington in the third series of the hit BBC One drama - which returns next week.
"But a week later my agent rang and said, 'Listen, this Sherlock thing, they're sort of under the impression you weren't that into it.' And I said 'Oh... I am really interested. Please call them and let them know that I am interested.' I wasn't being blase about it at all. I just wasn't on my best day."
Freeman then added that it was a chemistry test with co-star Benedict Cumberbatch that ensured he got the role.
"I came in again, read with Benedict and it instantly worked, it seemed to me... I thought he was a fantastic actor and there was something about our rhythms, similarities and differences that meant that it just happened."
Sherlock returns on BBC One, January 1, 9pm.
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