Smallscreen News

BBC confirm that Luther and Sherlock will return

By Ian Cullen Aug 31, 2010, 8:05 GMT

08/17/2010 - Idris Elba - The Premiere Of "Takers" - Las Vegas - The Palazzo Hotel & Casino Legasse Theatre - Las Vegas, NV. USA © Amanda Meredith / PR Photos

It’s been rumoured for awhile that "Sherlock" would be making a return in time for 2011, but it hasn’t been officially confirmed until recently.

The question still remains as to whether how "Sherlock" will return.  Will it be as a 13 episode series or will it retain the format of 3 - 90 minute movies?

When it comes to "Luther," the question of renewal has been in the air for awhile, and though it garnered respectable viewers when it aired in the UK over the summer, it has remained a mystery as to if it will be renewed, but now it seems like the case of renewal has been solved.

Jay Hunt, Controller of BBC One says: “Sherlock was the hit of the Summer.  Luther the most memorable new detective on the block. I am delighted they will both be returning to BBC One.”

"Sherlock," which stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Doctor John Watson, became a national phenomenon here in the UK and broke the record for highest ratings for a BBC Drama, a record, which was previously held by the 2005 premier of "Doctor Who."

Co-creators Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the warmth of response to our new Sherlock Holmes and John Watson and can’t wait to take them on three new adventures next year. There’ll be baffling new puzzles, old friends and new enemies – whether on two or four legs. And we might well be seeing the cold master of logic and reason unexpectedly falling. But in love? Or over a precipice? Who can tell?”

"Luther" will make a welcome return to BBC One in the form of two hour specials, and will see Idris Elba reprise his role as the troubled detective.

Idris Elba says: “I’m really excited to be coming home to play Luther again. He’s got so many more stories to tell… assuming he manages to live long enough. I’ve cleared my diary and will be back later in the year.”

Creator and writer Neil Cross says: “In series one, we saw DCI John Luther take quite a beating – both physically and emotionally. In these specials, he’s not only still standing – he’s back for more. Luther’s world is as fast-moving and dangerous as ever… and the challenges he faces are even more intense.”

"Luther" and "Sherlock" were commissioned by Ben Stephenson, Controller BBC Drama Commissioning, and Jay Hunt, Controller, BBC One, and will transmit in 2011.
Both "Sherlock" and "Luther" will soon be premiering in the USA on PBS and BBC America respectively.