Viewers were, in about equal measure, enraptured and/or shocked when gorgeous actress Lara Pulver appeared naked in an episode of BBC hit sleuth drama, Sherlock.

In an episode entitled A Scandal in Belgravia, Lara played the role of kinky dominatrix Irene Adler, who appeared before detective Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch) in the buff, aside from a pair of killer heels, a lot of red lippy and a dazzling smile.

The episode became the most watched show ever on BBC’s iPlayer, and today, the PA reveal how Lara landed the role; by sending in a tape of herself naked by way of a pre-audition taster for the show’s bosses.

At the time of the episode airing – which prompted many viewers to complain to Ofcom about the raunchy scenes – the show’s co-creator, Steven Moffat, said one of the things in Lara’s favour when he was casting the role was the sense of “fun” she brought to the role…

His co-creator Mark Gatiss added, “She also made everyone sit up because she sent a tape from LA and she didn’t have any clothes on.”

Steven continued, “She wasn’t really naked, I’m sure she was wearing a towel.”

Here’s a reminder of Lara’s performance on the show…