Sherlock Mini-Episode Released Online

A mini episode of Sherlockhas been released online ahead of the series’ return on New Year’s Day.

Starring Martin Freeman as Benedict Cumberbatch– Sherlock Holmes himself - despite Holmes having apparently died at the end of the last season.

And playing on rumours that the invincible detective will indeed return from the dead, the seven minute episode begins with the characters questioning whether or not Sherlock is in fact alive. They point to a number of murders solved around the world which have been solved thanks to input from a certain mysterious individual with Cumberbatch’s same statuesque silhouette and stylish curls.

The mini episode ends with Watson – missing his departed friend – watching a video message from Sherlock in which he says: “Oh and don’t worry. I’m going to be with you again very soon.”

Freeman and Cumberbatch, who have played Sherlock and Watson in the BBC production since 2010, have most recently appeared on screen together in The Hobbit:  Desolation of Smaug. In the Peter Jackson-directed flick Cumberbatch is unrecognisable as the evil dragon of the title, Smaug, whom he voices.