Benedict Cumberbatch 'so proud' of parents' Sherlock cameo

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 Benedict 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 Benedict'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 Benedict's parents Timothy Carlton and Wanda Ventham also appearing. The pair, who are both professional actors, played Holmes's mother and father in a scene in Baker Street.

Benedict 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."