Steven Moffat has insisted that the writers of Sherlock are not influenced by fan fiction.

The series co-creator described the "creative response" to the Benedict Cumberbatch detective drama as "amazing", but called the relationship between fans and Sherlock's creative team "a one-way thing".

Hartswood Films/Robert Viglasky



"It's not an exaggeration to say that [fan fiction is] the cradle of the next generation of television and fiction producers," he said. "It's hugely important. But it's a one-way thing.



"What happens is - and I'm part of this - you see something you love, then you start doing your own version of it. Then you start disagreeing with the actual version. You think 'My version's better' - then you discover that you've actually made something entirely different and you go off and do your own thing."

He continued: "I find it exciting and thrilling and wonderful that you get that creative response to a TV show. But interacting with fans? No, that's not how it works, because in the end they've got to cut loose from the mothership and do their own thing - and they will!"

Moffat was speaking at a BAFTA screening of third series finale 'His Last Vow', which airs on BBC One on Sunday, January 12 at 8.30pm.

A fourth and fifth series of Sherlock are also in the planning stages.

Sherlock: Complete Series 3 and the Sherlock Series 1-3 Box Set are available to buy on DVD and Blu-ray from January 20.

Sherlock series 4: We'll make it as quickly as we can, says Moffat

Watch a trailer for Sherlock's 'His Last Vow' below:

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