New series promises laughter, tears, shocks, surprises and extraordinary cases…

Filming has begun on the fourth series of critically acclaimed drama, Sherlock.

The multi-award-winning BBC One drama, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman returns for three new episodes produced by Hartswood Films.

Attracting 11.6 million viewers over the festive period in the The Victorian special Sherlock: The Abominable Bride, Sherlock returns to present day with series four beginning with the nation’s favourite detective, the mercurial Sherlock Holmes, back once more on British soil, as Doctor Watson (Freeman) and his wife, Mary (Amanda Abbington), prepare for their biggest ever challenge – becoming parents for the first time.

The series also stars Una Stubbs, Louise Brealey and Mark Gatiss (pictured above).

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.”

Co-creators, writers and executive producers Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss say: “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…”