Originally commissioned as a pilot, a further three episodes were ordered in 2009. The series will debut on Sunday 25 July 2010, though the original pilot will not be shown (according to the Sun). Great news for HD fans, it will be shown simultaneously on BBC One and in HD at 9pm for 90 minutes.

Sherlock was filmed in and around Cardiff and on location in London. Although the events of the books are being transferred to the present day, existing elements are being incorporated into the new characters to “ground the forthcoming tales in reality, and appease ardent fans of the classic tales”; for example, Martin Freeman’s Watson will be returning from the war in Afghanistan.

Co-created by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, Sherlock stars Benedict Cumberbatch as the new Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as his loyal friend, Doctor John Watson. Rupert Graves plays Inspector Lestrade.

The iconic details from Conan Doyle’s original books remain – they live at the same address of 221b Baker Street, have the same names and, somewhere out there, Moriarty is waiting for them. Sherlock Holmes has received somewhat of a resurgence following Robert Downey Jr’s portrayal.

Steven Moffat says: “Conan Doyle’s stories were never about frock coats and gas light; they’re about brilliant detection, dreadful villains and blood-curdling crimes – and frankly, to hell with the crinoline. Other detectives have cases, Sherlock Holmes has adventures, and that’s what matters.”

This three part series starts on 25 July. Fansite for the series here