Scottish actor David Hayman is becoming a sleuth himself to examine the truth behind Sherlock Holmes in a new one-off STV documentary. Due to be shown on December 27, the show will coincide with the release of the latest Sherlock Holmes adaptation directed by Madonna’s ex-husband Guy Ritchie, which seems set to be a festive blockbuster. The Search for Sherlock Holmes follows Hayman on a fascinating and personal journey to reveal the heart of one of the world’s most significant and loved literary figures, and the most portrayed movie character of all time. So far, over 70 actors have played the part of Sherlock Holmes in over 200 films, with Robert Downey Jr taking the lead in the latest adaptation, with Jude Law taking his side as Dr Watson. Travelling the length of Britain, David investigates the extraordinary character that he has loved and admired for most of his life. Attempting to discover the secret to Sherlock Holmes’ long lasting success, he sets out to discover what influenced Holmes’ creation and reveals the personal demons of his Scottish creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. During his travels, David visits many of the places that influenced Conan Doyle’s work, including his home town Edinburgh and London’s Baker Street, where Holmes was said to live. He meets with Sherlock Holmes experts and celebrity enthusiasts, including Stephen Fry and crime writer Linda La Plante, and looks at how real crimes in Victorian Britain shaped not only Holmes but the creation of the modern detective.