Hot on the heels of the news that
Sherlock series 3 will start shooting in under two weeks time, Benedict Cumberbatch has now
revealed plans for a fourth series. At yesterday afternoon's South Bank Show Awards, the actor - who plays the eponymous Sherlock - is reported as having said, "we've agreed to two more series but I could get into trouble for saying that." He and Martin Freeman have both signed up for the series, which will be another three episode run after the current one which begins filming on Monday. "All I know is I'm doing these three," said Cumberbatch, "and another three." He went on to say that he'd love to keep the show going, even after the fourth series but that, "it just depends on Martin and I's availability, how long we can keep it going. It depends on Steven's ability." Cumberbatch, Freeman and showrunner, Steven Moffat all have very busy schedules, the first two each pursuing careers in films and having found success with Star Trek Into Darkness and The Hobbit respectfully. Moffat is also showrunner and lead writer on Doctor Who which this year celebrates its 50th anniversary - a very big responsibility to be overseen. In fact, it's quite astonishing the newest series of Sherlock is yet being produced at all. The latest
news regarding its shooting date places it on the same day Moffat should also begin overseeing
the shoot for the Doctor Who anniversary special. Both shoots start on March 18th. Whether Moffat is a glutton for punishment or the BBC bare a grudge against the writer I don't know, but it's good news for fans as we can expect more news and teasers to trickle from both sets over the coming weeks.