Martin Freeman has joked if he joined Twitter it could end his career.

The 44-year-old actor has taken on roles in several much loved franchises, most notably in TV shows 'The Office' and 'Sherlock' and 'The Hobbit' movies, and has attracted a legion of fans for each part.

Martin has consciously made the decision to stay off the social networking site so not to get drawn into anything with his fans that could unwittingly upset them.

He told BANG Showbiz: ''The fans are very enthusiastic - that's the word. Which is great, but yeah, it impacts on my life, but I try not to let it influence my work. But that's the reason I don't do Twitter or anything. It's a strange old world. It can be a joyous world. But as I say, I'm not against it. I would just give nothing to that, except a very premature end to my career. It would be over, you know.''

Martin - who has two children with his actress partner Amanda Abbington - has tried to not let fame change his life but accepts there are certain things he can no longer do without attracting unwanted attention.

He explained: ''I try not to let celebrity stuff influence the work I do. But since the days of 'The Office' it's influenced where I go and what time I go, and how I get out.

''I learned that pretty early on when I went out to a club and I realised, 'Oh, this is not going to be the same.' That was a long time ago. And obviously with the twin thing of 'Sherlock' and 'The Hobbit' it's increased.''

Martin's celebrity is only set to increase even more as he is currently shooting a starring role in Marvel Studios movie 'Captain America: Civil War'.