‘Sherlock’ is to film a special and a new series in 2015.
The BBC has confirmed the hit detective drama starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman will return to BBC One next year for a one-off episode that promises to be "one of the biggest mysteries yet" for super-sleuth Sherlock Holmes and his trusty sidekick Dr. John Watson.
The special will pick up where the last series – which ended in January – left off as Sherlock and Watson attempt to solve why the villainous Moriarty’s face has been broadcast on television sets across the world. The detective’s arch rival, who was killed off in Series 2, seemingly appeared from beyond the grave in the final moments of Series 3 in a shocking twist.
The episode is due to be filmed in January 2015 and will be followed by a three-part fourth series of ‘Sherlock’, which will film later in the year.
Executive producer Steven Moffat said: "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."
BBC One controller Charlotte Moore added: "It’s a very good day in the life of a BBC One Controller when you can announce Sherlock will return for a special plus a new three-part series. Massive thanks to Sue Vertue and Hartswood Films for pulling this off, it’s no mean feat pinning down some of this country’s most brilliant and in-demand actors and writers."
Since ‘Sherlock’ ended its thrilling third series earlier this year, fans have been hankering for their next fix of the detective drama and were left with the prospect of an agonising two-year wait as stars Benedict and Martin pursue burgeoning Hollywood careers.
But it seems impassioned viewers will have a shorter wait than ever before for the next instalment as producers have managed to align the in-demand stars’ schedules.
Producer Sue Vertue commented: "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."
Sherlock for special, new series in 2015
