Toby Jones is to play a villain in the fourth series of award-winning television show Sherlock.

The actor will appear alongside Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman in the second episode of the brand new three-part series, which started filming on Monday.

He said: "I'm excited and intrigued by the character I shall be playing in Sherlock ..."

Sherlock is written and created by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, and was inspired by the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Moffat said: "Delighted to have Toby Jones on board, bringing to life one of Doyle's finest villains."

Gatiss added: "We're thrilled to welcome one of our finest actors to the Sherlock family.

"I know Toby will embrace the part with true relish!"

It was announced last month that series four of the BBC One show will begin with the nation's favourite detective, the mercurial Sherlock Holmes (Cumberbatch), back once more on British soil, as Dr Watson (Freeman) and his wife Mary (Amanda Abbington) prepare for parenthood.

Sherlock: The Abominable Bride, which aired on New Year's Day, was the most watched programme over the festive season, with 11.6 million viewers and the highest-ever audience share for a Sherlock episode.

The Victorian special was also released in thousands of cinemas around the world to complement the TV broadcast.