Benedict Cumberbatch was awarded Best TV Detective at the National Television Awards last night for his performance as super-sleuth Sherlock Holmes.

The actor beat Idris Elba’s Luther and Broadchurch detectives David Tennant and Olivia Colman to scoop the award for TV Detective, a new category introduced this year.

National Television Awards: Winners list in full

Kiefer Sutherland presented the award -which was voted for by the public - to Cumberbatch, who accepted his gong in a live video from LA.

Dressed in a tuxedo, the 37-year-old said he was “over the moon” to receive the award, adding it was a “real, real thrill”.

Cumberbatch then appeared to float up into the air, revealing he was wearing a pair of red swimming trunks, before saying: “Sorry, the pool’s just too lovely, I’ve been swimming in it every day.”

The actor was nominated for the award because of the success of the repeats of Sherlock. A new series of the drama was not broadcast on television last year when the nominations were announced, but was allowed into the category nevertheless.

Watch Benedict Cumberbatch pick up his award:

Coronation Street, Doctor Who and Ant & Dec were the big winners of the night, with Julie Hesmondhalgh winning Best Serial Drama Performance for her sensitive portrayal of Hayley’s death.

Ant & Dec won in the Best Entertainment Presenter category, and were also awarded the Landmark award.

Doctor Who beat Broadchurch, Call the Midwife and Downton Abbey to be named Best Drama, with Matt Smith winning for Best Drama Performance.

Educating Yorkshire, Paul O’Grady: For The Love Of Dogs and I’m A Celebrity also picked up awards last night.

See Rebecca Adlington & Other Winners Of the 2014 National Television Award

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See Rebecca Adlington & Other Winners Of the 2014 National Television Award