Filming Begins On Sherlock Series 4

Filming has commenced on the fourth series of Sherlock, it has been revealed.

The BBC One drama stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Doctor Watson. It will return to the channel with three new episodes.

Series four begins with Sherlock Holmes back on British soil as Doctor Watson and his wife Mary prepare to become parents for the first time.

The first of the feature-length episodes will be directed by Rachel Talalay.

Benedict Cumberbatch said he was "genuinely thrilled to be back filming Sherlock with all the cast and crew. I can't wait for everyone to see season four. But you will have to wait... though not for long... And it will be worth it."

Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, co-creators, writers and executive producers of the show, added: "Sherlock series four – here we go again! Whatever else we do, wherever we all go, all roads lead back to Baker Street – and it always feels like coming home. Ghosts of the past are rising in the lives of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson bringing adventure, romance and terror in their wake. This is the story we've been telling from the beginning. A story about to reach its climax..."

Sue Vertue, Executive Producer for Hartswood Films, commented: "It's taken a while to gather everyone together for series four, but I can confidently say I think it will be well worth the wait!"

Sherlock is written and created by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, and inspired by the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The show is produced by Sue Vertue and the executive producers are Beryl Vertue, Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat for Hartswood Films, Bethan Jones for BBC Cymru Wales and Rebecca Eaton for Masterpiece. It is distributed internationally by BBC Worldwide.

www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre

(JP/LM)