The BBC have released a picture of the stars of Sherlock, Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, in Victorian garb for the first time, suggesting that time travel – or at least fancy dress – will play a part in 2015’s Christmas special.

The special is due to start filming in January, with a full season of the show to be screened the following year.

As well as excited anticipation from the show’s admirers, the picture also prompted criticism of the BBC’s photoshopping skills. Part of Cumberbatch’s left shoulder is missing, while the knuckles on his right hand are flattened off. The BBC later reissued the picture.

However, no digital wizardry seems to have been employed in the creation of Martin Freeman’s lavish moustache.

Fans of both actors won’t be entirely deprived this Christmas. The pair have roles in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, the final film in the trilogy, with Freeman as Bilbo Baggins and Cumberbatch voicing Smaug, the dragon.

Cumberbatch, who has won an Emmy for his role in Sherlock, is tipped for an Oscar for his role as Alan Turing in The Imitation Game.