'Sherlock' series 4 is happening, according to Benedict Cumberbatch

With the massive gap between the second and third series of the BBC detective series Sherlock, there's been plenty of room for speculation. Many rumors have circulated that the availabiility of stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman would lead to the series ending after the third series. Thankfully, this has been proven to be false. Sherlock will return for a fourth series after its third airs later this year. 

Cumberbatch and Freeman are headlining two of the year's biggest films: 'Star Trek Into Darkness' and 'The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,' but they're still making time for series 3, which starts filming next week.

Speaking at the South Bank Show Awards, Cumberbatch confirmed that a fourth series will follow: “We’ve agreed to two more series but I could get into trouble for saying that. All I know at the moment is I’m doing these three [episodes of series 3] and another three.”

Cumberbatch also noted that he believed that the series could continue for as long as the talent involved were invested. "“It just depends on Martin and I’s availability, how long we can keep it going," he said. "It depends on Steven’s ability. I’d love to keep it going.”

Sherlock series 3 is expected to premiere later this year. At the rate this series is going, we can expect to see series 4 in 2016. (But who are we to complain? At least there will be more!)

What do you think about this news? Are you excited?