Sherlock fans rejoice: Benedict Cumberbatch would 'love' to play detective into old age

The actor has said that 'as long as the ideas are still there' he would love to keep the part

Mark Gatiss says Benedict Cumberbatch oozes sex appeal with his 'Byronic looks' and Sherlock coat (PA)

Benedict Cumberbatch has admitted that his love for Sherlock is so strong, he could happily play the super sleuth as a pensioner.

The British actor, 38, will return to the hit BBC drama for a Christmas special in 2015, starring once again alongside Martin Freeman.

Details of the new series are being kept under wraps, but Cumberbatch has promised that it will be “phenomenal” and not disappoint dedicated fans.

“We've never seen (Sherlock) being really pressed yet, so that will be interesting,” he said, mysteriously.

Freeman too has hinted at “exciting surprises” and told fans to “expect the unexpected”.

Both stars are in demand for television and film, but Cumberbatch is keen to keep the role of Sherlock.

“As long as the ideas are still there and the audience still wants it and as long as Martin and I are not to infirm that we can no longer remember the lines and shuffle around the set, I'd love to do it into old age, I really would,” he told Empire magazine.

Creators Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat have revealed that they have “devastating” plans for the fourth series.

“We've practically reduced our cast to tears telling them the plan,” the duo said at the Emmys in August. “We're probably more excited than we've ever been about Sherlock. We've got a very, very good set of ideas.”