'Sherlock' season 4 spoilers and premiere date: Moriarty rumored to return in January 2017

A recent report from Wales Online has confirmed that the BBC series "Sherlock" will begin production for season 4 at the Pinewood Studios this coming spring and that the show is expected to premiere by January 2017. The series will likely air by New Year's in the U.K. and will air via PBS in the U.S. a few weeks after.

Pinewood Studios has been home to previous seasons of the popular show, indicating that many familiar locations from the previous three seasons will make a return in season 4. However, the most recent New Year special "Abominable Bride" was shot in Bristol. 

The studios have also been used for many high-profile Hollywood films such as "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" and the "Harry Potter" franchise. 

While it is certain that Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman will be on set to reprise their roles as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, respectively, there are now rumors spreading across the Internet that season 4 may also bring back Moriarty (Andrew Scott).

According to a report from the Korean Portal, a Reddit user explains that hints of Moriarty's return have been planted throughout the "Abominable Bride" special episode. In particular, these clues include the use of the words "Redbeard," "Scarlett Roll" and "611174."

"Redbeard" is a referrence to the dog that the Holmes family once owned but had to be put down. The "Scarlet Roll" is explained as a complex riddle referring to a red herring. There is also the fact that Sherlock stated "I never said he was alive. I said he was back."

Putting two and two together, these clues hint that Moriarty may be returning soon. The character could indeed be dead but there are always the possibilities of other villains using Moriarty's image as a part of their offensive against Sherlock, Watson and the local police.

News
Disabled baby euthanized in the Netherlands
Disabled baby euthanized in the Netherlands

Doctors in the Netherlands euthanized a severely disabled one-year-old child, the first case reported by Dutch authorities under rules introduced in 2024 that allow ending the lives of seriously ill children between the ages of one and 12.

400% increase in euthanasia deaths in Australian state of Victoria
400% increase in euthanasia deaths in Australian state of Victoria

Right To Life UK said the surge in numbers showed why UK MPs were right to reject assisted suicide.

Ukrainian churches appeal for aid in starving Oleshky
Ukrainian churches appeal for aid in starving Oleshky

Russia and Ukraine have blamed each other for the crisis in Oleshky.

Westminster Abbey plans memorial to JRR Tolkien
Westminster Abbey plans memorial to JRR Tolkien

The memorial will go next to that of his friend CS Lewis.