The Imitation Game! Benedict Cumberbatch blends into the crowds as he plays tourist in Rome... before heading to set to shoot a cameo for Zoolander 2

The Zoolander 2 set has welcomed a long line of stars in recent weeks, and on Thursday another Hollywood favourite arrived in Rome to shoot his cameo.

Benedict Cumberbatch was spotted enjoying some sightseeing in the beautiful city before heading to set to film his part in Ben Stiller's hugely anticipated sequel.

The 38-year-old actor left his pregnant wife Sophie at home for his trip to Italy, where he was joined by a friend as he checked out the tourist hotspots.

Playing tourist: Benedict Cumberbatch checked out the sights of Rome on Thursday as he hit the Italian capital with a friend before shooting scenes for a cameo in Zoolander 2

Playing tourist: Benedict Cumberbatch checked out the sights of Rome on Thursday as he hit the Italian capital with a friend before shooting scenes for a cameo in Zoolander 2

Benedict was spotted heading for dinner at a friend's house in the Italian capital on Thursday before doing a whistlestop tour of the city sights.

The actor checked out the Santa Maria di Trastevere church, the Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps during his walk.

Blending in with the crowds, the Oscar nominated star looked like any other tourist as he snapped photos on his phone.

Blending in: The 2015 Oscar nominee looked like any other tourist as he enjoying a sightseeing tour on foot with his friend

Blending in: The 2015 Oscar nominee looked like any other tourist as he enjoying a sightseeing tour on foot with his friend

When in Rome: The Imitation Game star checked out the Santa Maria di Trastevere church, the Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps

When in Rome: The Imitation Game star checked out the Santa Maria di Trastevere church, the Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps

Dapper: Benedict looked smart in grey trousers, a blue blazer and sunglasses as he stopped to take photos
Dapper: Benedict looked smart in grey trousers, a blue blazer and sunglasses as he stopped to take photos

Dapper: Benedict looked smart in grey trousers, a blue blazer and sunglasses as he stopped to take photos

City noise: The star plugged in his ipod at one point to enjoy some tunes as he strolled

City noise: The star plugged in his ipod at one point to enjoy some tunes as he strolled

The actor was dressed in grey trousers, a smart navy blazer and blue shirt for his day in Rome.

He added sunglasses, while he carried a satchel over his shoulder.

Benedict's pal pointed out sights for the benefit of her Brit friend, who seemed keen to see as much as possible of the stunning city.

Man of style: Benedict left his pregnant wife Sophie at home as he jetted to Rome where Ben Stiller is shooting the follow-up to his 2001 comedy

Man of style: Benedict left his pregnant wife Sophie at home as he jetted to Rome where Ben Stiller is shooting the follow-up to his 2001 comedy

Local knowledge: The star stopped by his friend's house for a meal before they headed out

Local knowledge: The star stopped by his friend's house for a meal before they headed out

History buff: Benedict seemed interested to see as much of possible of the ancient city

History buff: Benedict seemed interested to see as much of possible of the ancient city

La Dolce Vita: The actor is juggling a number of projects, as well as Zoolander he's also filming Jungle Book: Origins

La Dolce Vita: The actor is juggling a number of projects, as well as Zoolander he's also filming Jungle Book: Origins

The actor's trip to Rome isn't just about sightseeing though, as he'll be heading to set to shoot scenes for the followup to Zoolander.

Director and star Ben Stiller has signed up some incredible cameos for the sequel to his 2001 comedy.

While the original movie featured appearances from the likes of Donald Trump, Christian Slater, Tom Ford, Tommy Hilfiger, Heidi Klum and Natalie Portman, Ben is rumoured to have persuaded big names in both Hollywood and fashion to join the second film.

Break from work: The star enjoyed a few hours to soak up the city before hitting the Zoolander set

Break from work: The star enjoyed a few hours to soak up the city before hitting the Zoolander set

Beautiful surroundings: The star chatted to his friend as they stopped on a bride to survey the city

Beautiful surroundings: The star chatted to his friend as they stopped on a bride to survey the city

Saturday Night Live funnyman Fred Armisen is one of the most recent to jet to Rome, while Billy Zane is returning following an appearance in the original. 

Ben also recently shared a throwback photo of Penelope Cruz on his Instagram, writing: 

'Excited to announce Penelope "Little Penny" Cruz has joined #Zoolander2 cast! #fbf' 

City break: Director and star Ben Stiller has signed up some incredible cameos for Zoolander 2, with Benedict just the latest actor spotted on set

City break: Director and star Ben Stiller has signed up some incredible cameos for Zoolander 2, with Benedict just the latest actor spotted on set

Helping hand: The actor stopped to find some change to give to an elderly lady

Helping hand: The actor stopped to find some change to give to an elderly lady

Kind hearted: The star and his friend gave the lady some money as they headed out

Kind hearted: The star and his friend gave the lady some money as they headed out

No airs and graces: Benedict barely attracted a second glance as he hit the city 

No airs and graces: Benedict barely attracted a second glance as he hit the city 

Will Ferrell is said to be back as his character Mugato, and Ben's wife Christine Taylor is reprising her role as Matilda.

Kristen Wiig has been spotted shooting scenes in Rome, while Cyrus Arnold is joining the cast as Zoolander's son.

Jonah Hill, Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, Cara Delevingne, Naomi Campbell, and Anna Wintour are all rumored to be making an appearance too.

Local guide: The star was accompanied by a female friend who guided him around the best sights

Local guide: The star was accompanied by a female friend who guided him around the best sights

All-star cast: Benedict joins a huge cast for Zoolander 2 with Kristen Wiig already spotted filming her scenes

All-star cast: Benedict joins a huge cast for Zoolander 2 with Kristen Wiig already spotted filming her scenes

Comedy turn: Jonah Hill, Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, Cara Delevingne, Naomi Campbell, and Anna Wintour are all rumored to be making an appearance too

Comedy turn: Jonah Hill, Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, Cara Delevingne, Naomi Campbell, and Anna Wintour are all rumored to be making an appearance too

What a gent: The actor was seen bringing his friend some pretty flowers 

What a gent: The actor was seen bringing his friend some pretty flowers 

Say cheese: The Hollywood favourite couldn't resist snapping away on his phone

Say cheese: The Hollywood favourite couldn't resist snapping away on his phone

 

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