'Sherlock' to return for third season

LONDON, Jan. 16 (UPI) -- The British drama series "Sherlock" has been renewed for a third season, the show's producers said.

The series stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman as contemporary London sleuths Sherlock Holmes and John Watson.

Since both actors have been busy lately with their film careers, the show's future was unclear.

But the BBC said "Sherlock" co-creator Steven Moffat confirmed its renewal on Twitter Sunday night.

"Of course there's going to be a third series -- it was commissioned at the same time as the second," he said.

The BBC said no start date has been announced for Season 3, but the the show is expected to begin airing again next year.