Big screen Benedict: Holmes is back on TV... and in cinemas

MILLIONS watched Benedict Cumberbatch play Sherlock Holmes again last night – and not just on BBC1.

The Abominable Bride, a one-off special set in Victorian times like Conan Doyle’s original stories, was also screened in 100 cinemas nationwide at the same time, and on the PBS channel in the US.

It reflects the fact that the series, also starring Martin Freeman as Doctor Watson (pictured above with Cumberbatch), has become a global success, launching both men on Hollywood careers.

Despite being in such demand Cumberbatch, 39, told Radio Times he would be happy to play Sherlock for as long as possible. ‘I’m still enjoying it,’ he said. ‘We’ll see how the next series goes, but as I’ve said many times before, I’d love to keep ageing with him. Martin and I started this relatively young compared to a lot of Holmes and Watsons, so why not?’ A fourth series is expected to begin filming in April.

The BBC previously showed the Doctor Who 50th anniversary special in cinemas in 2013, as well as some more recent episodes starring Peter Capaldi.