Trailer for Sherlock's Christmas special is released as Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman head back to Victorian era

By Rebecca Davison for MailOnline

Published: 18:02 EST, 7 October 2015 | Updated: 21:05 EST, 7 October 2015

Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman head to the Victorian era in the eerie new trailer for Sherlock's Christmas special.

The stand-alone episode sees Sherlock and his sidekick Doctor Watson aiming to solve their next mystery in 19th century London, ahead of the fourth series. 

According to Digital Spy, the festive episode will arrive in cinemas near its television transmission and is not connected to Sherlock's modern-day series. 

But the show will instead re-imagine the show's beloved characters in the 1890s. 

Co-showrunner Steven Moffat recently said that his decision to change the era of the programme was simply to see the characters in their traditional clothing. 

He said: 'We've got, I think you can safely say, the Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson of a generation - we want to see them do it in the proper outfits, just once.' 

A step back in time: Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman head to the Victorian era in the eerie new trailer for Sherlock's Christmas special

A step back in time: Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman head to the Victorian era in the eerie new trailer for Sherlock's Christmas special

All going on: The stand-alone episode sees Sherlock and his sidekick Doctor Watson aiming to solve their next mystery in 19th century London, ahead of the fourth series

All going on: The stand-alone episode sees Sherlock and his sidekick Doctor Watson aiming to solve their next mystery in 19th century London, ahead of the fourth series

The short trailer opens with Sherlock, who says: 'The stage is set, the curtain rises. We are ready to begin. 

As the clip makes a rather sinister turn, Watson turns to Sherlock and says: 'What made you like this? 

To which he replies: 'Oh Watson, nothing made me,' then pulling out a gun, he says: 'I made me.'

As he normally looks: Sherlock's foray into the 19th century is a far cry from his usual appearance, although the deerstalker hat remains

As he normally looks: Sherlock's foray into the 19th century is a far cry from his usual appearance, although the deerstalker hat remains

The clip ends with Watson handed Holmes his famous deer-stalker hat. 'Why?' he asks. 'You're Sherlock Holmes. Wear the damn hat,' he replies.

The episode will be shown close to Christmas day, although the exact date is still unknown. 

Moffat told Digital Spy of the release date: 'It is a Christmas-ish special. It will be around that time of year. I'm not being vague because I'm evil, I just don't know.' 

Two's company: With his sidekick Dr Watson, played by Martin Freeman 

Two's company: With his sidekick Dr Watson, played by Martin Freeman 

  

  

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