Sherlock (BBC)

[Perdita]

Steven Moffat has claimed that Sherlock could return to screens later this year.

The writer also told The Guardian that some of Sherlock's survival scenes have already been filmed.

Last Sunday's series finale 'The Reichenbach Fall' saw the detective (Benedict Cumberbatch) seemingly plummet to his death, only for the character to reappear unharmed in the last scene.

"We've worked out how Sherlock survives," Moffat revealed. "And actually shot part of what really happened. It all makes sense."

The Doctor Who showrunner also joked that he and co-creator Mark Gatiss have imagined a better ending than author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Referring to the plot of Doyle's Final Problem, Moffat added: "He cheated outrageously. He has Watson deduce that Holmes fell off a waterfall. But there was no body. And it only means one thing in a detective show when there's no body.

"We had to have Holmes dying in Watson's arms - and get away with that, which we have."

[Katy]

i hope so! Its been one of the best dramas on tv ive seen in a long time.

[Perdita]

Sherlock executive producer Sue Vertue has dismissed suggestions apparently made by Steven Moffat that the programme will return in 2012.

The showrunner was supposed to have said on Friday (January 20) that a third series of the BBC drama - which concluded last Sunday (January 15) - would air later this year.

Moffat also apparently claimed that scenes showing how Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch) survived his rooftop plummet in series two finale 'The Reichenbach Fall' had already been filmed.

In response to the comments, Vertue has taken to Twitter and clarified that a 2012 Sherlock return is "sadly unlikely".

"Sorry to be a killjoy but @steven_moffat didn't actually mean S3 of #sherlock would tx before end of year," she wrote. "I think that is sadly unlikely."

Moffat has, however, said that fans will not have to wait "that long" for the next series of Sherlock.

He confirmed this week that a third run of the show had been secretly commissioned along with its second last year.

[Perdita]

Sherlock co-creator Mark Gatiss has revealed the first details about a third series.

Gatiss - who also plays Mycroft in the BBC drama - appeared to confirm that the first episode of the new run will be an adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's 'The Adventure of the Empty House'.

The Sherlock series two finale - which saw Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch) apparently plummet to his death - was a loose adaptation of Conan Doyle's 'The Final Problem', with 'The Empty House' being the next story chronologically in the canon.

"There's certain things about 'The Adventure of the Empty House' which feel set in stone because that's how Sherlock comes back, but at the same time we feel free to invent and to introduce new stuff to it," Gatiss told PA.

"I always found it a little unlikely that Dr Watson's only reaction was to faint for instance - as supposed to possibly a stream of terrible swear words."

The writer and actor added that the "overall feel" of Sherlock's third series will dictate which Conan Doyle tales will make up the second and third episodes.

"Steven [Moffat] and I have our all-time favourites, but it's really a question of what will fit into the structure," he explained.

The third series of Sherlock is expected to begin filming in early 2013.

[Dutchgirl]

Whoohay. Best news in 3 months! ;0)

[Perdita]

The third season of the BBC's Sherlock could be its last, reports the Sunday Express.

The forthcoming series of the show - based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's fictional detective - is due to begin filming early next year, but the success of lead actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman could mean that the new episodes will be their final outing as Holmes and Watson.

"Benedict and Martin love Sherlock," said an insider. "It's been fabulous for both of them but it's a question of schedules.They will no doubt be signing off in style."

Over the past year, both actors have been busy filming Peter Jackson's Hobbit trilogy in New Zealand. Freeman plays central character Bilbo Baggins, while Cumberbatch plays the dragon Smaug.

Cumberbatch will also appear in the second of JJ Abrams's Star Trek films, which is due to be released in early 2013. The 36-year-old is currently starring in BBC period drama Parade's End.

"I need to have some more talks with [the writers] and tease them about the fact that I do have a career outside of Sherlock now," he joked. "So they'd better write something."

[Perdita]

Benedict Cumberbatch has confirmed that a fourth series of Sherlock is in the works.

The Star Trek actor revealed at the South Bank Show Awards that both he and co-star Martin Freeman have signed up for more episodes, the Radio Times claims.

"We've agreed to two more series but I'm probably going to get into trouble for saying that," said Cumberbatch. "All I know at the moment is I'm doing these three and another three."

On the show's future beyond a fourth run, he added: "It just depends on Martin and I's availability, how long we can keep it going. It depends on Steven's (Moffat, showrunner) ability. I'd love to keep it going."

Cumberbatch previously stated in June last year that Sherlock could continue beyond its upcoming third series.

"We only do three [episodes] at a time, so I think the normal fear of over-stretching the mark and just doing too many [doesn't apply]," he explained.

He continued: "I'd like to see [Sherlock] getting older. We're starting quite young. It's rare to see Holmes and Watson at the beginning of their relationship; we usually join them in their mid-to-late 40s or 50s. I've got a way to go. I mean, I'm only 35."

Production recently commenced on three more Sherlock episodes, with the first read-through taking place in Cardiff yesterday (Monday, March 12).

[tammyy2j]

Sherlock has cast Lars Mikkelsen as a villain in its third series.

The Danish actor - who appeared in the original version of The Killing - will play "Sherlock's new nemesis" Charles Augustus Magnussen.

Exec producer Sue Vertue confirmed Mikkelsen's casting on Twitter.

Though further details of his character are yet to be revealed, Magnussen is likely based on the character of Charles Augustus Milverton, who appeared in a 1904 short story penned by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

'The Adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton' saw Holmes and Watson confront the title character - a murderous blackmailer.

Mikkelsen - the brother of Casino Royale and Hannibal star Mads Mikkelsen - is best known for his roles in The Killing and Borgen, both of which aired on BBC Four in the UK.

Sherlock is expected to return to BBC One in late 2013.

[tammyy2j]

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[Dazzle]

Sherlock has cast Lars Mikkelsen as a villain in its third series.

That's good news - I'm a fan of both Lars and Mads Mikkelsen.