Benedict Cumberbatch's mother and father make surprise cameo as Sherlock returns

 
PA / BBC
Staff|Agency2 January 2014
The Weekender

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Sherlock fans finally found out how the detective faked his own death last night - but the returning TV drama had another surprise in store for eagle-eyed viewers.

Benedict Cumberbatch's parents appeared in the first episode of the new series - playing the detective's mother and father.

Cumberbatch admitted it was "nerve-wracking" appearing opposite his real-life parents in the show.

BBC

Millions of viewers tuned in to see Cumberbatch reunited with Martin Freeman's Dr John Watson after the last series saw him seemingly plunging to his death from a London rooftop.

It ended with Cumberbatch's character lying dead on the pavement, before resurfacing very much alive and watching over his own grave.

BBC

The new episode offered fans several different versions of how the great detective faked the fall with one plan involving the help of guest star Derren Brown.

The illusionist was not the only guest star in the show, with Cumberbatch's parents Timothy Carlton and Wanda Ventham also appearing.

The pair, who are both professional actors, played Holmes' mother and father in a scene in Baker Street.

BBC

Cumberbatch said he was "so proud of them" but admitted "it was kind of nerve-wracking".

He said: "They're Equity card carrying members but you know it was nerve-wracking because they are actors as well and yet they were brilliant and they were fantastic.

"We did the Baker Street scenes quite early so I think everyone was still getting back into it."

The series continues on BBC One at 9pm on Sunday (05.01.13).

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