Earlier this week we heard the promising, if dubious rumor from 'Sherlock' star Martin Freeman that 2015 would see the airing of a potential Christmas special, prior to the fourth season proper. Now, the BBC has gone on record to confirm not only that we'll see the dynamic detective duo in a special presentation next year, but that filming on season 4's three new episodes will commence as well!

Speaking over their Twitter account, the BBC took the internet to confirm Wednesday that "#Sherlock, the hit @BBCOne drama, will return for a Special, followed by a series of three new episodes. #221back." Moreover, January 2015 will see filming on the special commence, with the subsequent three episodes shooting later on in the year. "Did you miss me," indeed!

When last we heard, showrunner Steven Moffat had plotted through a potential fifth season of the series, while the fourth was projected to air sometime in 2016. Along with the surprise resurrection of season 3 finale “His Last Vow,” Moffat also specified that ‘Sherlock’ season 4 would likely see increased roles for the women of the series, particularly Molly Hooper (Louise Brealey) and Mrs. Hudson (Una Stubbs), potentially adding new female characters into the mix as well, as part of “Sherlock’s gradual humanization.”

Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman will certainly have a busy year, while Moffat himself readies the new season of ‘Doctor Who‘ for August 2014, but what say you in the meantime? Will a bit of extra special 'Sherlock' tide us over until season 4 in 2016? What would you want to see the great Mr. Holmes and Dr. Watson taking on this time around?

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