[9:24] Benedict Cumberbatch, best actor nominee for his role in "The Imitation Game," and his wife Sophie Hunter arrive at the 87th Academy Awards
Benedict Cumberbatch, best actor nominee for his role in "The Imitation Game," and his wife Sophie Hunter arrive at the 87th Academy Awards in Hollywood, California February 22, 2015. Reuters/Lucas Jackson

It is confirmed news that “Sherlock” Season 4 is happening, though the production has yet to begin on it. But, according to the co-creator of the hugely popular BBC One’s series, Steven Moffat, the two main actors had to be persuaded to do it. Despite that, he is positive that the show can go on for a long time.

“Sherlock” actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman hit the big league because of their characters Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson, respectively. They are currently the most-in-demand actors, with a busy acting schedule. If they quit the hugely popular series, it would not make much of a difference to their acting careers. BBC has quoted Moffat as saying to Newsbeat, “They don't need Sherlock anymore. So we have to persuade them to do it -- which is fair enough.” He also said that he was surprised that the two actors signed on to do another season of “Sherlock.”

“They are very serious about it, they do love it very much," Moffat said, adding that they did not think that Cumberbatch and Freeman would agree to do “Sherlock” Season 4. The co-creator, however, was positive that the show can go on for a long time, as they “show up every occasionally and do it.”

Speaking about whether there is an end in sight, Moffat said, “Truthfully not yet, I don't think... but then I'm an optimist." He did not say anything about when the production on Season 4 will begin, but confirmed that they have filmed the one-off special episode.

It is expected that the special episode will air on Christmas day, Dec. 25. However, there is no official confirmation regarding that. This episode is going back in time and is set in the Victorian period. Co-creator Mark Gatiss has said that it will be set in 1895. Without revealing anything about the storyline, he said that 1895 setting would make a difference, according to BBC's report. Moffat had previously said that the special episode of “Sherlock” is not part of the three episodes of Season 4.

If you have comments or feedback on the article, you may contact the writer at a.shrivastava@IBTimes.com.au.

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