Benedict Cumberbatch has issued an apology after using the word "coloured" to describe black actors.

Considered demeaning by many anti-racism groups, his interview on US TV sparked protests on the internet.

And the 38-year-old star has now said in a statement: "I'm devastated to have caused offence by using this outmoded terminology. I offer my sincere apologies.

"I make no excuse for my being an idiot. I can only hope this incident will highlight the need for correct usage of terminology that is accurate and inoffensive.

"The most shaming aspect for me is that I was talking about racial inequality in the performing arts in the UK."

On that contentious subject, he had remarked: "As far as coloured actors go, it gets really difficult in the UK."