We always knew there were a lot of Sherlock fans out there – but apparently there are enough, it turns out, for the consulting detective to be named the most popular BBC character ever in an international survey.

Benedict Cumberbatch’s modern take on Sherlock Holmes beat out other famous heroes like Doctor Who‘s the Doctor and Idris Elba’s John Luther to the top spot – and by a pretty significant margin too. Have a look at the top ten list below:

1. Sherlock Holmes – Sherlock (29.7%)
2. The Doctor – Doctor Who (17.6%)
3. John Luther – Luther (12.4%)
4. Basil Fawlty – Fawlty Towers (11.8%)
5. The Stig – Top Gear (8.2%)
6. Patsy Stone – Absolutely Fabulous (8.1%)
7. Edmund Blackadder – Blackadder (7.4%)
8. Hyacinth Bucket – Keeping Up Appearances (6.1%)
9. Geraldine Granger – The Vicar of Dibley (5.8%)
10. The Daleks – Doctor Who (5.6%)

More than 7000 people voted in the poll from BBC Worldwide Showcase which surveyed viewers from Australia, France, the USA, Germany, India, Japan and Mexico. Mexican voters were apparently the most ardent Sherlock fans.

It’s no real surprise that Sherlock claimed the top spot, as the show is famously a global phenomenon – airing in 240 countries and making an international star out of Benedict Cumberbatch.

Speaking of which, Cumberbatch himself had this to say about Sherlock’s win:

“I’m honoured to hear that my portrayal of Sherlock has been internationally recognised as viewers’ favourite BBC TV character. Who would have thought a high functioning sociopath could be so popular with people all over the world?”

What’s more, Sherlock also topped the poll for best BBC scene. Sherlock’s tragic leap of St Bart’s Hospital nabbed number one – again by a very comfortable margin.

1. Sherlock falling to his ‘death’ – Sherlock (26.0%)
2. The ‘Dead Parrot’ sketch – Monty Python (14.1%)
3. The Doctor’s regeneration – Doctor Who (13.1%)
4. The Ballroom scene with Prince Andrei and Natasha – War and Peace (12.6%)
5. Mr Darcy emerging from the lake – Pride and Prejudice (12.5%)
6. Basil Fawlty attacking his car – Fawlty Towers (11.5%)
7. Sir David Attenborough and the Gorillas – Life on Earth (10.2%)
8. David Brent dancing – The Office (9.5%)
9. When the murderer comes from out of the bed – Luther (6.53%)
10. “Don’t tell him Pike!”- Dad’s Army (6.50%)

Sherlock‘s worldwide fans may be disappointed to know that the show is currently in limbo, as the cast and crew are unsure if they will get to make another season. That said, there are many rumours to the contrary.

Radio Times