Fandoms collide, literally! Benedict Cumberbatch, who plays the titular role in BBC’s Sherlock has spoken about his feelings towards Downton Abbey‘s victory at the Golden Globe awards – and he didn’t have many nice things to say!

Ahead of Sherlock series 2’s debut on American screens next month, the British actor gave an interview with the New York Times covering a diverse range of subjects from Star Trek to the sensitivity of his hair follicles. Of particular note was a comment he made about Downton Abbey, and his distaste for its victory at Golden Globes earlier this year.

Mr. Cumberbatch could at least relate to this aspect of the character. He recalled an encounter he’d had in January at the Golden Globe Awards, where the PBS “Masterpiece” executive producer Rebecca Eaton taunted him affectionately with a trophy that had just been won by “Downton Abbey.”

He said: “I just looked at it and went: ‘Begone, woman. Bring it back when it says “Sherlock Holmes” or Steven Moffat or myself — someone else who’s more deserving than the second series of “Downton Abbey.” ’ ”

Exhibiting a diplomacy that his Holmes is not known for, Mr. Cumberbatch stopped himself from saying anything more about the rival television series.

“I know too many people who are in it,” he said. “I thought the first series was good. That’s what I’ll say.”

While interesting (and in some fans’ opinion, completely true), the flippant comment is a very controversial one for the usually mild-mannered actor to make. Downton has been taken into the hearts of many American viewers, and for an actor trying to sell a show with relatively small viewing figures in the country, it could be a dangerous move to make. While we’re sure the comment was made in jest, it will certainly be stirring up trouble on the set of Downton Abbey.

Do you think that Cumberbatch was right to make the comment? Is Sherlock more award-worthy than the second series of Downton?