Benedict Cumberbatch's portrayal of Sherlock Holmes has been named the world's favourite BBC TV character.
Benedict Cumberbatch
The 40-year-old actor has starred as the iconic detective since 2010 and has revealed his pride at the "sociopath" beating the likes of Basil Fawlty and the Doctor in 'Doctor Who' to the prestigious title after a poll by BBC Worldwide.
He said: "I'm honoured to hear that my portrayal of Sherlock has been internationally recognised as viewers' favourite BBC TV character.
"Who would have thought a high-functioning sociopath could be so popular with people all over the world?"
Benedict has also topped the list of the most memorable scenes on the BBC, with viewers voting Sherlock's apparent death at the end of the show's second series as their all-time favourite moment.
The scene garnered an impressive 26 percent of the overall vote, finishing ahead of the famous Dead Parrot sketch from 'Monty Python'.
Other memorable moments to make the top ten list included Mr Darcy emerging topless from the lake in 'Pride And Prejudice' and David Brent's cringe-inducing dancing in 'The Office'.
Paul Dempsey, BBC Worldwide president of global markets, said: "This survey demonstrates the love and affection audiences have for our shows around the world and those defining TV moments that get viewers talking, wherever they are."
Back in December, meanwhile, Benedict suggested he may soon walk away from 'Sherlock' following the birth of his son Christopher in 2015.
The actor - who is currently expecting a second child with his wife Sophie Hunter - said: "This new series goes to a place where it will be hard to follow on immediately.
"We never say never on the show, but in the immediate future we all have things we want to crack on with, and we've made something very complete as it its. So I think we'll just have to wait and see."
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