Doctor Who and Sherlock Christmas specials: New images of both upcoming BBC shows revealed

Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman look as suave as ever

Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman in Sherlock Christmas special (BBC)

New images from both the Sherlock and Doctor Who Christmas specials have found their way online thanks to the BBC.

The first, of Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman as the titular character and Watson in Sherlock, show the pair looking particularly dapper - note Freeman’s wonderful moustache.

Sherlock: The Abominable Bride will take place in the Victorian era, yet the special almost didn’t happen.

Speaking to The Independent, Cumberbatch revealed how he initially told creators Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat they were “mad” for thinking a show set in the time period would work.

“I genuinely didn't understand how they were going to get away with it,” the actor continued. “And then I got the more detailed pitch and I thought, 'OK, this is going to be great fun', And it really is. It's so nice to play him in his era.

“The things that are asked of me in the modern version, the sense that this is a man clearly slightly out of his time... to put him back in the era he was written in originally is just a joy. It feels easier.”

In the other image, twelfth Doctor Peter Capaldi can be with Alex Kingston’s River Song clinging onto his arms.

River Song in the Doctor Who Christmas special (BBC)

According to Moffat, the Doctor’s once wife won’t actually recognise the Doctor’s face in the upcoming special.

Sherlock: The Abominable Bride will be screened on BBC1 on New Year's Day, and in selected cinemas worldwide.