Sherlock's Mark Gatiss, Steven Moffat delighted by 'Empty Hearse' ratings

Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat have spoken of their delight at last night's bumper ratings for Sherlock's series three premiere 'The Empty Hearse'.

The show picked up 9.2 million viewers on New Year's Day (a 33.8% share) at 9pm on BBC One, considerably higher than its New Year launch in 2012, which had 8.8 million (31%).

Its first series debuted with 7.1 million (28.6%) in 2010.

Speaking about the response, co-creator Moffat said: "Thrilling news on overnight ratings for Sherlock. A tribute to the team who work so hard, and with such pride, on the show, and of course to the genius of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

"It's proof that audiences will show up if you give them what they want - though we can't throw Benedict [Cumberbatch] off a roof ever week."

Gatiss, who wrote the episode, added: "Delighted our loyal audience tuned in on an appropriately bleak and stormy New Year's night!

"After two years it's fantastic to have this response to Sherlock, John and all the team being back on TV. All this and Dr Watson gets married in three days' time!"

The next episode of Sherlock, 'The Sign of 3', airs on Sunday, January 5 at 8.30pm on BBC One.