The stars of 'Sherlock' have made "progress" in a bid to shoot the fourth series of the show.
Writer and star Mark Gatiss - who plays Mycroft Holmes on the show - has hinted the fourth series of the hit detective drama could begin production in the near future as the show's busy cast and crew, including Benedict Cumberbatch, have finally found dates they are available.
Speaking to Radio Times, he said: "I can officially tell you that we are moving closer to agreeing some dates to shoot. If that sounds like a party line, it is.
"That is proper progress because Ben and Martin [Freeman] are so busy, and Steven and myself are so busy, but actually trying to get everybody to interlock ... we have made significant progress."
Mark, 47, also denied speculation a fourth series could be shelved in favour of doing a one-off 'Sherlock' film, insisting three 90-minute episodes is still "the plan".
He added to Digital Spy: "There was talk amongst people who have nothing to do with 'Sherlock', I'm afraid."
Mark previously claimed shooting of the fourth series depends on Martin and Benedict's schedules as they have become "superstars" with numerous film and TV roles following the success of the BBC One drama.
He said: "There was suddenly a kind of outraged response that it might not be back until 2016 but that's precisely how long it always is. It's always two years! But we'd like to return soon, of course."
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