Benedict Cumberbatch has confirmed that a fourth series of Sherlock is in the works.

The Star Trek actor revealed at the South Bank Show Awards that both he and co-star Martin Freeman have signed up for more episodes, the Radio Times claims.

"We've agreed to two more series but I'm probably going to get into trouble for saying that," said Cumberbatch. "All I know at the moment is I'm doing these three and another three."

On the show's future beyond a fourth run, he added: "It just depends on Martin and I's availability, how long we can keep it going. It depends on Steven's (Moffat, showrunner) ability. I'd love to keep it going."

Cumberbatch previously stated in June last year that Sherlock could continue beyond its upcoming third series.

"We only do three [episodes] at a time, so I think the normal fear of over-stretching the mark and just doing too many [doesn't apply]," he explained.

He continued: "I'd like to see [Sherlock] getting older. We're starting quite young. It's rare to see Holmes and Watson at the beginning of their relationship; we usually join them in their mid-to-late 40s or 50s. I've got a way to go. I mean, I'm only 35."

Production recently commenced on three more Sherlock episodes, with the first read-through taking place in Cardiff yesterday (Monday, March 12).

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Watch Benedict Cumberbatch talk Sherlock with Digital Spy below:

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