Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss confirm third season of Sherlock

Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss have confirmed there will be a third season of Sherlock.

The BBC One drama, a modern-day updating of the sleuth by Moffat and Gatiss, ended its second season last night with The Reichenbach Fall. The second season of Sherlock, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, has once again been a ratings winner for BBC One despite some criticism over nude scenes in its opening instalment.

Following last night’s episode Steven Moffat wrote on Twitter ‘#sherlock Yes of course there’s going to be a third series – it was commissioned at the same time as the second. Gotcha!’ While co-writer, and actor, Mark Gatiss tweeted the very similar ‘Gotcha! And of course there’ll be a third series! It was commissioned at the same time as series two!!’

There had been some debate over the future of Sherlock as the BBC remained tight-lipped about further seasons earlier this week when it confirmed the renewal of Luther and Death in Paradise. The availability of stars Martin Freeman and Benedict Cumberbatch – both of whom have film roles lined up – also seemingly put the shows future in doubt.