Martin Freeman cuts a casual figure as he picks up the essentials with son Joe, 14, and daughter Grace, 11, in North London
He recently admitted he’d previously smacked his two children.
And Martin Freeman, 48, was spotted on a rare sighting with his son Joe, 14, and daughter Grace, 11, on Wednesday as he picked up some vegetables in North London.
The Sherlock star – who shares his two children with ex-partner Amanda Abbington – cut a casual figure as he headed out to buy some essentials on Hampstead High Street.
Out and about: Martin Freeman, 48, was spotted on a rare sighting with his son Joe, 14, and daughter Grace, 11, on Wednesday as he picked up some vegetables in North London
Martin wrapped up against the chilly weather in a jumper and taupe padded jacket as he strolled down the High Street with his family.
It seemed that Joe wasn’t taking any chances during the coronavirus outbreak as he pulled out a bottle of hand sanitiser during the outing.
Martin and his two children were seen heading to a nearby vegetable stall to pick up some essentials, as the UK continues to descend into coronavirus lockdown.
The actor co-parents his two children with ex Amanda, following their split in 2016 after 16 years together.
Low-key: The Sherlock star cut a casual figure as he stepped out with his family to pick up the essentials
Jovial: The actor appeared to be in high spirits as he chatted with his children during the outing
Surprising: Martin’s outing came after he revealed in an interview that he’d previously smacked his two children and called them ‘little f*****s’
Martin’s outing came after he made the surprise revelation that he’d previously smacked his two children and called them ‘little f*****s.’
Speaking during the promotional tour for his new series Breeders, the Hobbit star admitted that he’d physically punished his children on two occasions, despite then-partner Amanda banning smacking in the house.
‘I know I’m not supposed to do it, but there are so many images about how (parenting) all just has to be brilliant that it makes people feel bad,’ he said in a candid interview with The Sunday Times.
Speaking out: Speaking during the promotional tour for his new series Breeders, the Hobbit star admitted that he’d physically punished his children on two occasions
Truth: Martin also confessed that he’d physically punished his two children even though his then-partner Amanda had forbidden it
Taking no chances: During the outing both of Martin’s children took precautions during the coronavirus outbreak by applying plenty of hand gel
‘Because it’s not brilliant. I mean, it is – it’s the best thing I’ll do. But that doesn’t mean it’s not really hard. This idea you only ever rationalise with a toddler? Genuinely, good luck. If you could do that, God go with you. Amazing.
‘I’m not proud I did that, but I have. I don’t think it’s a policy. And I’ll do it again!’
It is illegal to smack children under The Children Act 2004 unless it amounts to ‘reasonable punishment.’
The NSPCC has called for a complete ban on smacking, saying that it only gives children a bad example on how to handle strong emotion, may encourage bullying, and could cause them to lie or hide feelings in order to avoid the punishment.
Scotland became the first country in the UK to ban smacking in 2019, and Wales will outlaw smacking by 2022 following a vote in the country’s Assembly.
Proud dad: Martin split from actress Amanda in 2016, and the couple lived in Hertfordshire until their split
Busy: The actor seemed keen to get outside with his family despite the coronavirus pandemic