Martin Freeman confronts fans following him long-term

Martin Freeman, renowned for roles in Sherlock and The Hobbit, has begun directly confronting fans who follow him in public, describing the behavior as more annoying than frightening. On a BBC One appearance, Freeman explained that these fans often believe they are unnoticed, but he is fully aware of being tailed and sometimes turns around to address them directly. He shared that he tries to reason with persistent fans, telling them he is 'not a prop.' Freeman has previously expressed discomfort with the intense fan attention brought by Sherlock, stating that the overwhelming expectations made the experience less enjoyable. His comments came during a discussion about spying, inspired by his co-star Jack Lowden’s role as an MI5 agent, further highlighting the blurred lines between on-screen roles and public perception. The exchange also included anecdotes about mistaken identity, with Lowden recounting an encounter where someone felt safer in his presence, confusing his fictional role with real life.