Sherlock creator says Benedict Cumberbatch nearly missed out because 'he lacked sex appeal'

Benedict Cumberbatch sighted filming Sherlock in London, 2015. Photo / Getty

He's poised to return in an eagerly anticipated fourth series of hit BBC drama Sherlock.

But while it seems unthinkable that anyone else could take the titular role, producers have revealed that Benedict Cumberbatch very nearly didn't land his career defining part as the enigmatic sleuth - because he lacked sex appeal.

Actor Benedict Cumberbatch. Photo / Getty

Reflecting on his first audition, creator Mark Gatiss told the Sunday People that show bosses were reluctant to cast the actor, 40, due to his appearance.

'When we presented Ben on his audition day, everyone at the BBC agreed he's definitely got to be in it,' he said. 'And then they went 'We were promised a sexy one though.'

'And we didn't say "Yeah he is sexy" we went "He's very good isn't he?" And Benedict to this day doesn't think of himself as sexy.'

Sophie Hunter and Benedict Cumberbatch. Photo / Getty

'His nose was entirely wrong apparently. We thought if only we could get the nose right we might have something. The truth is, this isn't made up.

Gatiss, 50, added that while the actor's distinctive features were a stumbling block, any doubts were quickly alleviated when he took his first steps on set.

'He was a weird man a few minutes ago, a sort of ginger weird person. But that disappeared,' he recalled.

'It was the thing that suddenly worked with Colin Firth with Mr Darcy.'

Like Firth, Cumberbatch has since gone on to Hollywood stardom with prominent roles in box office hits The Imitation Game, 12 Years A Slave and Star Trek Into Darkness.

Gatiss' retooled version of Sherlock finds the traditionally Victorian sleuth solving crimes in present day London alongside loyal friend Doctor John Watson, played by Martin Freeman.

Series four will launch on January 1 2017, with its final episode airing at select cinemas across the United Kingdom.