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Mark Gatiss has teased the new series of Sherlock as the 'best one' yet.

The actor and writer - who plays the semi-villainous Mycroft Holmes in the BBC series - teased the new series as he revealed it will be back on screens in the new year.

"We've just finished filming the fourth series, we finished about four nights ago," he confirmed on BBC Breakfast.

"It'll be on, probably at the beginning of next year when it usually is. We're very excited about it. I think it's the best one we've done, it's very big chewy stuff, meaty.

"Lots of big life changing things happen in it and all kinds of non-specific things like that I can say about it."

(Image: BBC) (Image: BBC)

Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman return in the new series that is set to be broadcast on BBC One at some point in 2017, and the recently-released new trailer teases more than just a return.

Moriarty is back, but it's not clear how still and there are first looks with other villains from the famous literary works by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

"Something's coming," says Sherlock in the trailer. "Maybe it's Moriarty? Maybe it's not? Something's coming."

"We brought you back to deal with this, what are you going to do?" an unknown woman adds to Sherlock.

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But in a brilliant, no doubt fan-pleasing scene, Una Stubbs's Mrs Hudson shines as she confronts Mycroft Holmes in Baker Street.

"Get out of my house," Mrs Hudson spits at Sherlock's brother Mycroft adding simply: "You reptile."

Sherlock creator Steven Moffat has said the next series of the BBC show could be its last.

Moffat made his comment as the corporation released a first look photograph of series four, which will be broadcast in 2017.

British heartthrob Benedict Cumberbatch , who plays Sherlock Holmes, is pictured kneeling beside a dog.

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

During an interview with The Telegraph, Moffat said the popularity of leads Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman may result in the end of Sherlock.

Moffat said: "We do have two film stars in the programme. They haven't needed to do these jobs for a very long time. They're coming back because they want to."

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He added: "I don't know how long we can keep it going. I'm personally willing, but I'm hardly the main draw. I would be moderately surprised if this was the last time we ever made this show."

The success of the BBC One programme has been cemented with Emmy Award nominations.

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

Cumberbatch was recognised in the lead actor in a limited series category for his role as the intrepid detective.

He will compete against Bryan Cranston (for All The Way), Idris Elba (Luther), The People vs OJ Simpson's Cuba Gooding Jr and Courtney B Vance and Tom Hiddleston (The Night Manager).

The Abominable Bride special, which was broadcast in January, is nominated for best TV movie and is up against All The Way, Confirmation, Luther and A Very Murray Christmas.