Ritchie denies Crowe will play Sherlock Holmes

Director Guy Ritchie has denied Australian actor Russell Crowe is to play Sherlock Holmes' sidekick Dr Watson in a new movie about the fictional detective.

The actor was rumoured to be starring opposite Robert Downey Jr. as the legendary sleuth's confidante and storyteller in Ritchie's forthcoming picture.

But the moviemaker has denied that Crowe is being considered for the role - insisting he is still open to suggestions about an actor for the part.

He says: "I don't have a Watson. Somebody just told me that I have Russell Crowe lined up but that's news to me. I suspect that hasn't happened and I'm still looking for my Watson."