Benedict Cumberbatch’s Sherlock beat figures such as Basil Fawlty and the Doctor to be named the world’s favourite BBC television character Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch has said he is honoured the “sociopath” detective has been named the world’s favourite BBC TV character. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s fabled spy beat competition from acclaimed British television figures, including Basil Fawlty, the Doctor in Doctor Who and Hyacinth Bucket, to take the accolade.