Yes, Benedict himself is surprised when people come up to thank him for 'what he's doing for asexuals everywhere' and then he says, you mean Sherlock? *snorlfe*

In the show Sherlock never says he's asexual. It's only - 'not really my area,'

So in stories your focus is on the mystery and the adventure, and it's not spoiled by love interests! (which also appealed to me as a child, and as an adult) and the different kinds of relationships/friendships one can have. We'd all be hard pressed to find someone to kill and die for us like John, maybe.

I'm excited at the prospect of a strong female character in Irene as a foil to Sherlock - because Mark has promised it won't be a romantic interest for Sherlock.