Martin Freeman teases Sherlock Christmas special

While the BBC pulled off something of a casting coup in securing two bona fide movie stars for the leading roles in Sherlock , it does make things somewhat difficult when trying to pin them down for filming.

Fans are already eagerly anticipating the next instalment of small-screen sleuthing, but with Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman busier than ever, it's proving challenging to find space in their schedules to film it.

However, according to Freeman, there is at least a date in the diary. A 2015 date, but a date nonetheless…

"If that’s going to be a special," says Freeman, "I’m speaking off-message here; if this was New Labour I’d get fired – I think that might be for next Christmas. A Christmas special. That’s what I understand."

According to Freeman, neither he nor Cumberbatch will be available to film until early 2015, but at least it sounds as though the wheels are in motion for another outing. Now, what about another series, hmmm?

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