Fans around the world have reacted with delight to news that a provocative Benedict Cumberbatch effigy is to be unveiled at St Bart's hospital in London, to commemorate the Sherlock star's dramatic plunge there at the end of Season Two.

Airline price comparison sites including Skyscanner and FareCompare reported a 57% surge in online bookings to London ahead of the statue's unveiling this July.

Meredith Holmes, head of the London Tourism Authority, hailed the estimated £3million boast to the economy that the onslaught of Cumberbatch fans - commonly referred to as "Cumberbitches" - is expected to bring to the capital.

"It's particularly exciting that the sculpture's unveiling will coincide with the first birthday of Prince George," she commented. "Two of Britain's greatest exports will be celebrated at the same time."

The bronze-encased sculpture is being commissioned by the National Trust, in association with emerging street artist Bono Laduree. Laduree hopes to bring a contemporary twist to the artwork, describing it as "Banksy meets Auguste Rodin with Sherlock thrown in."