Martin Freeman bandied it about yesterday, the idea that BBC’s Sherlock would return for a Christmas special in 2015, but now the BBC itself has confirmed this, along with the announcement that the special will precede a fourth series which will consist of the usual three episodes. By my deduction powers, folks, that means there will be four new episodes of Sherlock in the pipeline to begin in 2015. How do you like them apples?

Co-creator, co-writer and executive producer Steven Moffat was typically upbeat and coy about what’s to come for John and Sherlock. “A special, plus a new series of three episodes — it’s a record-breaking run! Of course, it’s far too early to say what’s coming, but we’re reasonably confident that the very next thing to happen to Sherlock and John is the very last thing you’d expect…” It’s always the last thing we expect, isn’t it?

Mark Gatiss, the other co-creator, co-writer and executive producer, and who plays the brilliant and aloof Mycroft Holmes, added to Moffat’s excitement. “Series Four! At last! It’s always special to return to Sherlock but this time it’s even more special as we’re doing… a Special! Not only that, we’ll then be shooting three more episodes which will take Sherlock and John Watson into deeper and darker water than ever before. The whole Sherlock team are terrifically excited to return for four new adventures. The Game is on — again!”

Sue Vertue, the other executive producer for the series, points to the sudden (and deserved) demand for Cumberbatch and Freeman as being the reason for the delay in production, but now it seems like everything is on track with dates and such. “There was unanimous goodwill to make this work, so we’re thrilled that 221b is going to be inhabited again.”

So there you are, Holmes Heads (I don’t know what the colloquial term for a Sherlock fan is. I don’t go on Tumblr), new episodes of our favorite high-functioning sociopath and his newlywed best friend will commence in a mere 18 months. Get your various theories written out in triplicate now.