Actor Benedict Cumberbatch is engaged! The "Imitation Game" actor announced his future union to theater actress and director Sophie Hunter in a traditional way: with a small paid-for announcement printed in The Times' classified section of the newspaper.

The brief post simply announced the couple's engagement and listed his parents, Wanda and Timothy, as well as hers, Katherine and Charles. The initialed names of the pair left a bit of mystery surrounding the celebrity.

According to the Mail on Sunday, Cumberbatch recently flew to Edinburgh to ask Hunter's mother for permission to marry her daughter. A wedding date has not been set.

His rep confirmed the news, reporting in a statement to The Telegraph, "I am delighted to confirm this morning's announcement that Benedict Cumberbatch and Sophie Hunter are engaged."

The 38-year-old "Sherlock" star and his bride-to-be, 36, met back in 2009 while shooting the thriller "Burlesque Fairytales." However, the two were only confirmed as an item a five months ago when they were photographed together while attending the French Open.

When asked if he wanted to settle down, Cumberbatch said, "I can imagine I'll look back at this point in my life and think: 'Wow that was really extraordinary.' But at the same time I hope I'm looking back and going, 'Oh, that was the moment I got on with life and realized things beyond myself.'"

"Without using words like 'marriage,' 'children' and 'family' -- although I have just used those words -- put it this way, I hope I've got other people to look back with me at that point," he continued, according to E! News. "I hope I'm surrounded by family."

Previously, Cumberbatch dated fashion designer Anna Jones and had a 10-year-long relationship with Olivia Poulet, an actress and screenwriter, which ended in 2010.

Fans of his were devastated by the news.

"Benedict Cumberbatch is engaged and I will be entering mourning for the next 3 months," follower Debra DiGiovanni tweeted. "Don't worry I look good in black."