First new image of Sherlock and Watson from Sherlock series 4 released
A new official image from Sherlock series four has been released.
The image, which features Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as John Watson, does not reveal anything about the plot for the new series. However, it is a stylish reminder that the much-loved drama will return on New Year’s Day 2017.

Although not much is known right now on the storylines for next year’s episodes, producers Mark Gatiss, Steven Moffat and Sue Vertue did drop three big hints at San Diego Comic Con this year.
These three hints were the names: Smith, Thatcher and Sherrinford. Fans have speculated that Smith refers to Culverton Smith – a man Sherlock tricks into confessing to murder in Conan Doyle’s original stories, Sherrinford refers to Sherlock’s hypothetical older brother, and Thatcher… well, no one is quite sure about Thatcher.
We also know that Dad’s Army actor Toby Jones will be playing a sinister new villain in the series, believed to be Smith, with Moffat promising: “He’s completely different. It’s a completely different character. He’s the darkest villain we’ve had.”
“This guy is the purest evil. Sherlock is actually appalled by him. He’s the most evil villain we’ve had. I don’t think that when you see it, you will disagree. He’s horrific.”
Can it be 2017 already?
Sherlock will return to BBC One on New Year’s Day 2017.