THE BBC has released a picture of the stars of “Sherlock,” Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, in Victorian garb for the first time, suggesting that time travel — or at least fancy dress — will play a part in 2015’s Christmas special.

    There is no explanation why the pair are in period costume for the program which has updated Arthur Conan Doyle’s characters to the present day.

    The special is due to start filming in January, with a full season of the show to be screened the following year.

    As well as excited anticipation from the show’s admirers, the picture also prompted criticism of the BBC’s photoshopping skills. Part of Cumberbatch’s left shoulder is missing, while the knuckles on his right hand are flattened off. The BBC later reissued the picture.

    However, no digital wizardry seems to have been employed in the creation of Freeman’s lavish moustache.

    The third series of “Sherlock” finished earlier this year but fans were warned they probably face a lengthy wait due to the commitments of its in-demand stars.

    The series climaxed with a flood of images of villain Moriarty — played by Andrew Scott — repeating “did you miss me?” Fans have been left in suspense as he was thought to have died.

    Fans won’t be entirely deprived this Christmas. Cumberbatch and Freeman have roles in “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies,” the final film in the trilogy, with Freeman as Bilbo Baggins and Cumberbatch voicing Smaug, the dragon.

    Cumberbatch, who has won an Emmy for his role in “Sherlock,” is tipped for an Oscar for his role as Alan Turing in “The Imitation Game.”(SD-Agencies)