Early 2013 filming for Sherlock
How did Sherlock survive that final rooftop confrontation with nemesis Moriarty?
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The third series of Sherlock will start filming in 'early 2013', according to Beryl Vertue - one of its executive producers.
Vertue, who was at the Nations and Regions Media conference in Salford this week, told Ariel that it was too early to confirm transmission times for the next series.
But it means fans have a long wait to learn how the detective faked his death at the end of the second series.
The drama, which has been a massive hit with around 10 million viewers in the UK, was co-created by Vertue's son-in-law Steven Moffat and is produced by his wife Sue Vertue for Hartswood Films and BBC Wales.
Filmed in Cardiff and London, it has also sold to 200 territories.
Leading actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman are currently filming abroad on the next Star Trek movie and The Hobbit respectively.