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Sherlock 's squad might be growing if these set pictures are anything to go by.

Actor Benedict Cumberbatch - who plays the titular character - was spotted filming new scenes for the next series of the drama alongside a dog.

The bloodhound looked very professional and calm as it was kept on a lead held by the Dr Strange star.

Benedict seemed thrilled to have the animal on set and spent time petting it in between takes.

Unfortunately we're going to have to wait until Christmas before we find out what role the four-legged best friend will have.

(Image: Dean / Jules - FameFlynet.uk.com) (Image: Dean / Jules - FameFlynet.uk.com)

Martin Freeman, who plays John Watson, was also on set alongside his co-star and spent time coo-ing over a baby.

Read more:First look at new series as Benedict Cumberbatch, Mark Gatiss and Rupert Graves start filming

It's not known whether the young tot was in scenes with John but according to Digital Spy the baby could play a big role.

Watson's wife Mary, played by Martin's actual wife Amanda Abbington, was pregnant in the last series so perhaps she gives birth.

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It was only last month that the two stars began filming, with co-creator Mark Gatiss teasing his Twitter fans with snaps of the actors.

Read more:Sherlock movie possible if Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat find the 'right story'

Gatiss , who also plays Mycroft Holmes in the series, confirmed news that series four was finally in the works when he took to Twitter sharing a telling picture with the caption: "I spy Series Four...#Sherlock."

While the new series may already be in production, it seems fans still have a long wait ahead of them before they'll get to see it.

(Image: BBC)

According to IMBD, the first episode of the new season won't hit screens until 2017. Annoying!

On the bright side though, the BBC One series could soon be set for the big screen if bosses can come up with a film-worthy plot.

Gatiss said: “Of course we could do a movie but it would have to be a story of sufficient scale to make that move, because they’re already very big, very expensive and very movie-like.

“We don’t want to just send the cast away on holiday.”