Sherlock set to return to BBC for fourth series

BBC’s hit series Sherlock is set to return, with shooting of a special to commence in January 2015 followed by three new episodes later in the year.

Sherlock, written and created by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, and inspired by the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, has been a ratings success for the BBC but the rise of its lead stars has cast doubt over the future of the series.

Both Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, who play the titular character and his sidekick, Dr Watson, respectively, have gone on to star in a host of big budget films in recent years, including The Hobbit in which both actors shared lead roles.

“It’s taken a little while to get the dates sorted as none of the boys are exactly sitting back twiddling their thumbs but there was unanimous goodwill to make this work, so we’re thrilled that 221b is going to be inhabited again,” said Sue Vertue, executive producer, Hartswood Films.

Speaking about the return of the series, co-creator, writer and executive producer Steven Moffat added: “A special, plus a new series of three episodes – it’s a record-breaking run! Of course, it’s far too early to say what’s coming, but we’re reasonably confident that the very next thing to happen to Sherlock and John, is the very last thing you’d expect…”