Benedict Cumberbatch aims to house Ukrainian refugees as horror of Putin's invasion hits home

Mr Cumberbatch urged Brits to do more as he appeared on the red carpet at the Royal Albert Hall for the BAFTAs last night.

He said: "It is a really shocking time to be a European two-and-a-half hours' flight away from Ukraine, and it's something that hangs over us.

"We all need to do more than wear a badge.

"We need to donate, we need to pressure our politicians to continue to create some kind of a refugee safety and a haven here for people who are suffering."

Mr Cumberbatch, known for his roles in Sherlock, The Imitation Game and Doctor Strange, was wearing a round badge with the blue and yellow of the Ukrainian flag on the lapel of his jacket.

He added: "Everyone needs to do as much as they can ... there's been a record number of people volunteering to take people into their homes, I hope to be part of that myself."

The new "Homes for Ukraine" scheme will allow members of the public, charities, businesses and community groups to offer accommodation to refugees to come to Britain even if they do not have family ties.

Mr Cumberbatch was up at the BAFTAs for the leading actor award for his portrayal of a 1920s rancher in "The Power of the Dog".