The next series of Sherlock, the hit BBC drama, could be the last, the programme’s creator has warned, as he suggested that Benedict Cumberbatch is now such an internationally-renowned actor that he only does the show out of loyalty to its fans.

Steven Moffat, the executive producer of the BBC One show, said that he was “amazed” that the corporation had managed to secure “film stars” such as Cumberbatch, who plays the eponymous detective, and Martin Freeman, his sidekick Doctor Watson, for a fourth series, which is expected to air in early 2017.

He added: “I don’t know how long we can keep it going. I’m personally willing but I’m hardly the main draw. I would be moderately surprised if this was the last time we ever made this show. But it absolutely could be.”