BBC sent Sherlock fans into an absolute tailspin when they sent out two tweets on the BBC One Twitter account informing followers that they had two pretty big announcements today. The first was this GIF of Moriarty which featured in the last episode of series three. The image at the time got fans pretty excited with the prospect that Jim would be returning in the next series.

"Did you miss me?" #221back. #Sherlock http://t.co/sJXE1VeFaG — Sherlock - #221back (@BBCOne) July 1, 2014

The second tweet was the confirmation that the BBC had some big news in store.

It's all gone dark... Something's coming... Or someone. Details at 2.21pm tomorrow. #221back #Sherlock — Sherlock - #221back (@BBCOne) July 1, 2014

Then came the big reveal!

"Miss me?" #Sherlock, the hit @BBCOne drama, will return for a Special, followed by a series of three new episodes. #221back

— Sherlock - #221back (@BBCOne) July 2, 2014

After the briefest of exiles, #Sherlock will return to face one of his biggest mysteries yet... #221back

— Sherlock - #221back (@BBCOne) July 2, 2014

...why is Moriarty’s face being broadcast on every television in the land? #Sherlock #221back pic.twitter.com/q39RHTrmB0

— Sherlock - #221back (@BBCOne) July 2, 2014

Shooting on the #Sherlock special will begin in January 2015, with the series shooting later next year. #221back

— Sherlock - #221back (@BBCOne) July 2, 2014

We're ready to unleash the most shocking and surprising series of #Sherlock yet. The only thing is to expect is the unexpected... #221back

— Sherlock - #221back (@BBCOne) July 2, 2014

The Game is on - again! #Sherlock #221back

— Sherlock - #221back (@BBCOne) July 2, 2014