GETTY • BBC Benedict Cumberbatch wants to age with Sherlock

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The actor, who first starred as the detective in 2010 opposite Martin Freeman as Dr John Watson, is keen to age with his much-loved alter-ego. Speaking to the Christmas issue of Radio Times, the 39-year-old discussed the future of the hit drama as well as the upcoming Christmas special, set in Victorian London.

When asked if he was keen to keep making time for Sherlock, Benedict revealed: "Pretty determined. I’m still enjoying it. We’ll see how the next series goes, but I’d love to keep ageing with him." The father-of-one continued: "Martin and I started this relatively young compared to a lot of Holmes and Watsons, so why not?"

BBC The actor said he is determined to make time for the BBC series

GETTY Benedict has played the detective since 2010

The Star Trek star also admitted that he was "thrilled" to play Sherlock "in his era" in the latest episode, set to air on New Year's Day. "I went, 'At last, I can have a haircut!' I can slick it back and not have that ridiculous mop of curls on my head. And then I went, 'You’re mad — what?' "The first pitch was quite light and then the more detailed pitch came and I thought, 'OK, this is going to be great fun.' And it really is," Benedict commented. He went on to add: "There’s slightly more heavy lifting in the modern era in that he’s a man clearly out of his time, so this puts him back in the era that he’s written in originally. It’s a joy."

BBC The Christmas special will be set in Victorian London

Benedict Cumberbatch as Hamlet Sat, August 8, 2015 Benedict Cumberbatch as Hamlet in the production of Hamlet at the Barbican centre, London. Play slideshow PA 1 of 9 Benedict Cumberbatch as Hamlet

Read the full interview with Benedict and Martin in the latest issue of Radio Times [RADIO TIMES]

When asked if he thought the episode could alienate modern fans, Benedict told the publication: "I don’t think so, he’s still got a lot of fight in him, he hasn’t become patronisingly nice and charming… He is still rude because he cuts through mediocrity." Meanwhile, Martin, who is also set to voice Stick Man - Julia Donaldson’s follow-up to The Gruffalo - this Christmas, said he was worried Sherlock might be "too cool" before it first aired. The 44-year-old added: "I feared it might be too cool or knowingly hip, but I loved it immediately when I read the script." The 90-minute Sherlock special, The Abominable Bride, airs on January 1 at 9pm.