The "willowy" Parade's End star, Benedict Cumberbatch, while talking to The Independent made the following comment about his character, Christopher Tietjens:
Christopher is a big man and I was really distracted by that at first. I wanted him to be fatter and rounder; I was thinking of a young Gambon or – dare I say it – Matthew Macfadyen. I've said that before – he's going to punch me next time he sees me.
Cumberbatch goes on to tell The Independent
I had to put on this fat suit and plumpers in my face [for Parade's End]. I wish we'd gone further with it, but they stopped me going the whole hog because they wanted a pin-up. He's got to be seen as sexually attractive or why would someone as beautiful as Valentine fall for him?"
On a personal note, as a fan of both Cumberbatch and Macfadyen it's clear that people come in all shapes and sizes even the talented and gorgeous ones. It's wonderful to be able to appreciate the differences, otherwise life would be boring. However, if there is going to be violence between these two actors, I hope we could have proof. Pictures would be especially nice! 
Date: Weds 5 Sept