Martin Freeman, 53, looks loved-up with his French actress girlfriend Rachel Benaissa, 30, as they attend Marylebone’s Christmas lights switch on

Martin Freeman got into he festive spirit with his French actress girlfriend Rachel Benaissa as they attended the Marylebone’s Christmas Lights switch on.

The Sherlock actor, 53, and his partner, 30, held hands as they made their way through the crowds in central London on Wednesday.

The couple were escorted by a group of police officers after his Hollywood appearance caused a stir.

Martin wrapped up in a black trench coat over a navy blue two-piece suit.

He paired his ensemble with a blue shirt, brown scarf and a pair of smart black leather shoes.

The Sherlock actor, 53, and his partner, 30, held hands as they made their way through the crowds in central London on Wednesday

Meanwhile, Rachel was wrapped up in a beige and brown trench coat which she layered over a black chunky jumper, checked trousers and black boots.

They have been dating for around three years but are rarely seen together in public.

Rachel and Martin went public with their romance in 2021.

They made their first appearance as a couple when they graced the red carpet at the Raindance Film Festival Opening Night gala screening of Best Sellers at The Dorchester.

The outing came just months after Amanda discussed their split. 

Rachel is best known for playing a role in BBC hit Normal People, alongside stars Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar Jones. 

The actress has also starred in Lindsay Lohan’s Netflix film Irish Wish, Aisling Bea’s sitcom This Way Up. 

In addition to acting, Rachel also writes screenplays and once came runner-up in Outstanding Screenplay’s TV pilot competition.

The couple were escorted by a group of police officers after his Hollywood appearance caused a stir 

They have been dating for around three years but are rarely seen together in public 

Martin shares two teenage children Joe, 17, and Grace, 15, with his ex-wife Amanda Abbington, 51 (pictured in 2014) 

Martin shares two teenage children Joe, 17, and Grace, 15, with his ex-wife Amanda Abbington, 51.

The actor co-parents his two children with ex-Amanda following their split in 2016 after 16 years together. 

Martin was said to have supported Amanda through the Strictly Come Dancing probe. 

The actress made a series of accusations about her pro Giovanni Pernice’s teaching methods and has described his behaviour as ‘unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean’.

The BBC cleared Giovanni of physically abusive behaviour towards Amanda, while upholding some of her complaints the Corporation. 

A source told The Sun at the time of the investigation: ‘Martin has made a point of making sure Amanda is OK with everything that has happened recently. They share two children together so have always remained close for their sake.

‘He was left worried and concerned at learning about the things which Amanda has been going through. And it’s been really heartening for Amanda to know that she has Martin’s support.

‘She’s been through hell recently, and had to endure death threats and hateful messages. She’s relied heavily on her fiance Jonathan who has been an absolute rock throughout all of this.’