New 'Sherlock Holmes' heading to PBS

BBC Worldwide and PBS's Masterpiece Theatre have announced plans to co-produce three new projects, including a Sherlock Holmes series for PBS.

Benedict Cumberbatch (Atonement) has been cast as Holmes in Sherlock, which is expected to give the classic detective stories a 21st century spin, says The Hollywood Reporter.

UK Office star Martin Freeman has joined the series as Dr Watson.

The second project is a remake of the 1970s Emmy-winning Masterpiece Theatre venture Upstairs, Downstairs, due to premiere in 2011.

Rufus Sewell (Dark City) has signed to star as Italian detective Aurelio Zen in three episodes based on Michael Dibden's mystery novels.

"I'm so proud of this particular group of programmes," said Masterpiece executive producer Rebecca Eaton.

She added: "These three series say everything about what Masterpiece aims to be: iconic, rich with wonderful actors, witty, literate and timeless."