Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch admitted it was “nerve-wracking” appearing opposite his parents in the first episode of the new series.

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.

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.

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