Benedict Cumberbatch has been recreated into a life-size chocolate sculpture and he’s going on display at Stratford Westfield City today.

The impressive sculpture was created following a national poll which voted the Sherlock star as the hottest UK TV actor, and to celebrate the launch of TV channel Drama, on the new on-demand service uktvplay.co.uk.

Cumberbatch claimed the title after beating off competition from the likes of Idris Elba, David Tennant and Aidan Turner.

The six foot statue, dressed in a bow-tie tuxedo and made out of Belgian milk chocolate, was unveiled at the busy Stratford shopping centre this morning.

Adrian Wills, general manager of Drama, said: “With Drama launching on UKTV Play this Easter, it was the perfect opportunity to pay homage to the fantastic talent we have on the channel, including of course, Benedict Cumberbatch.

“Hopefully he’ll make it through Easter weekend in one piece.”

Eight people, including a sculptor, chocolatier and model maker, worked more than 250 hours to create the 40kg statue.

Lead sculptor, Tim Simpson, said: “You can’t rush perfection. Benedict has such a distinctive look that it was a challenge but a pleasure, to recreate him in chocolate.

“A secret combination of methods ensured we got a great likeness - we’re sure his legions of fans will approve.”

To follow the action at Stratford Westfield City use #chocobatch on Twitter.