As filming for the third series of Sherlock begins next Monday, March 18th, the consulting detective himself, Benedict Cumberbatch, confirmed that he and co-star Martin Freeman have signed on to do a fourth series of the drama. Speaking at the South Bank Show Awards were his other BBC project Parade’s End picked up Best Drama Cumberbatch said, “We agreed to do two more series, but I could get in trouble for saying that. All I know at the moment is I’m doing these three episodes [of the upcoming series] and another three.”

The availability of the two leads may hinder the stars wish to go beyond a fourth series. “It just depends on Martin and I’s availability, how long we can keep it going. It depends on Steven’s availability. I’d love to keep it going.” With Freeman committed to the Hobbit and Cumberbatch starring in THE movie of the summer, Star Trek Into Darkness, Sherlock and Watson are sure to be busy on other projects for the next couple of years.

As for the first episode of series three that finally reveals how Sherlock survived the fall from the roof of St. Bart’s Hospital Cumberbatch explained, “You are in for an absolute stonker. It’s going to be a treat. It’s a terrific episode.” The cast gathered this past Monday for the read through of the pivotal episode that resulted in this picture being tweeted by the BBC.

Sherlock series three begins filming Monday, March 18th. After a summer break to accommodate Freeman’s Hobbit filming schedule, production will resume on the final episode of the series and the three-part show will air in the UK sometime in the autumn.