Agatha Christie's novels could be adapted into modernised TV shows, says the company who owns the rights to the stories, Digital Spy said.

Acorn Productions has revealed plans to give the crime tales the "Sherlock treatment", following the success of the BBC's contemporary adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle's detective novels.

Managing director Hilary Strong told Broadcast: "We are looking contemporary.

"We're in discussions at the moment about how we can do that. We can absolutely see the opportunity for bringing the plotlines into the modern day."

Sherlock has enjoyed great success since it started in 2010, with last month's third series finale pulling in 8.8 million viewers for BBC One.

The series - which is set in the modern day - has gathered a cult following and has spawned an official convention and a smartphone app.

BBC One has recently announced a traditional adaptation of Christie's books The Secret Adversary and N or M.

The six-part series, titled Partners in Crime, will star David Walliams as one half of married detective duo Tommy and Tuppence.

Walliams - who also wrote the adaptation - said: "In bringing these thrilling stories to the screen, it is our ambition for Tommy and Tuppence to finally take their rightful place alongside Poirot and Marple as iconic Agatha Christie characters."