Toby Jones will go from BBC4’s Detectorists to joining one of the great TV detectives when he stars alongside Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman in BBC1’s Sherlock.
Jones will play one of Arthur Conan Doyle’s greatest villains in the second of the new three-part series of the acclaimed drama, which began filming on Monday.
An acclaimed actor of stage and screen, Jones played Truman Capote in Infamous and Alfred Hitchcock in The Girl, and recently starred in Peter Bowker’s award-winning BBC2 dram Marvellous. He co-stars in Mackenzie Crook’s acclaimed metal detecting sitcom, The Detectorists.
Jones said he was “excited and intrigued” by his Sherlock role.
Sherlock showrunner Steven Moffat added: “Delighted to have Toby Jones on board, bringing to life one of Doyle’s finest villains.”
His fellow showrunner Mark Gatiss said: “We’re thrilled to welcome one of our finest actors to the Sherlock family. I know Toby will embrace the part with true relish.”
Jones’ episode of the new Sherlock series – now into its fourth run on BBC1 – will be directed by Nick Hurran, who was Emmy award nominated for his work on a previous Sherlock episode, His Last Vow.
The new series will begin with Watson and his wife, Mary, preparing for their biggest ever challenge – becoming parents for the first time.
