THE stars of hit TV show Sherlock braved the cold to film scenes for the much-anticipated new series.
Portland Square was the backdrop last night as Benedict Cumberbatch, in the title role, was filmed in front of what appeared to be a large bonfire for the third installment of the crime drama, which is a modern update of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes detective stories.
The show, which has now been sold in more than 180 countries, was first aired in three 90-minute episodes by the BBC in 2010.
It also stars Martin Freeman as Doctor John Watson.
The series is produced by Hartswood Films for BBC Wales and is primarily filmed in Cardiff but Portland Square was chosen for a particular scene.
The BBC was tight-lipped last night about what the scenes filmed in Bristol would entail, to avoid any "spoilers" for fans.
Production of the third series was originally due to begin in January, but due to "availability reasons" it was pushed back to this month and started last week.
• Sherlock and other TV shows filmed in Bristol over the years
