Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch will be lending his husky voice to two characters in an upcoming episode of The Simpsons. The 24th season of the show began airing in September, though rumors of Cumberbatch’s guest spot have circulated since last July.

In a classic example of being in the right place at the right time, he had a meeting one day at the same studio where The Simpsons record their voiceovers when he heard there was an uncast role. “I said, ‘I hate to muscle in here, guys, but could I record it?’ Next thing, I’m standing in a room with all those famous voices: Bart, Marge, Homer, Lisa,” he told InStyle magazine.

Den of Geek reports that his two small roles in the episode will not be Sherlock-related. Instead he will portray “a sinister accountant” and “a snake-like character.” The Valentine’s Day themed episode – titled “Love is a Many Splintered Thing”- has a tentative airdate of Sunday, February 10th on FOX. Set your DVR!

Fans of the actor anticipate the episode with a mix of excitement and pride. Landing a guest voiceover role on the long-running animated series has become a sort of cultural marker of popularity. The fandom and critical praise for Sherlock has made Cumberbatch a household name in the States and the UK. He has also been cast in substantial film roles – including The Hobbit trilogy and a villain role shrouded in secrecy in J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek Into Darkness. 

Because production on season three of Sherlock has been postponed and it may not air until as late as 2014, fans will have to find solace in Benedict Cumberbatch beyond his Sherlockian persona.

Fan art: Imagining of Simpsons-style Sherlock characters by Sam at springfieldpunx