Sherlock creator Mark Gatiss desperate to avoid Doctor Who style leaks

Gatiss joked that he will make just one copy of the scripts 'in lemon juice'

Martin Freeman and Benedict Cumberbatch in Sherlock (PA)

Mark Gatiss is determined not to let Sherlock follow in Doctor Who’s footsteps as far as plot leaks are concerned.

The hit detective drama will return to UK screens for a fourth series in 2015, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman as the super sleuth and his sidekick John Watson.

Co-creator Gatiss joked that he is considering going to desperate lengths to ensure storyline surprises are not ruined for fans.

“I was reading the other day that in India they just placed a massive order for typewriters because their computers are hacked so frequently,” he told TV Times.

“I’m now writing all my scripts in longhand, making only one copy in lemon juice and eating the others!”

Last month, the BBC apologised after scripts and footage from the upcoming eighth series of Doctor Who leaked online ahead of its 23 August broadcast date.

A statement blamed the error on a “damaging mistake” and thanked fans for helping to limit the impact.

Peter Capaldi has stepped into the role of the twelfth Time Lord for the new run, while Jenna Coleman returns as his companion Clara.