Sherlock Series 4: Episode 1 synopsis for The Six Thatchers teases ‘madman on the loose’

Sherlock, Watson and Mary are back – and it looks like they’re in trouble again
Coming soon: Sherlock will be back for Series 4 on New Year's Day
Todd Antony/Hartswood Films/BBC
Ben Travis14 December 2016

The return of Sherlock is less than a month away – and yet the new episode are remaining tightly under wraps.

Fans have been waiting of the show’s hugely anticipated return to the BBC for three years, and now the synopsis for the Season 4 premiere has been revealed.

The episode is named The Six Thatchers, and sees Benedict Cumberbatch's Sherlock team up with John Watson and his wife Mary – and their new baby.

The synopsis for the episode reads: “Sherlock waits to see where Moriarty will make his posthumous move.

Sherlock - Series 4

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“One mysterious case in particular baffles Scotland Yard - but Sherlock is more interested in a seemingly-trivial detail.

“Why is someone destroying images of the late Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher? Is there a madman on the loose?

"Or is there a much darker purpose at work? Something with its roots deep in Mary Watson's past…”

The episode will be airing on New Year’s Day at 8.30pm, with the next two instalments following on consecutive Sunday nights.

The new series will see Toby Jones join the show as villain Culverton Smith - a character who originally appeared in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's short stories.

The last episode of Series 4, named The Final Problem will also be aired in cinemas in an extended version on Sunday January 15.

Get your detective hats on, people – what could be in store for Sherlock this year?

BBC One, New Year’s Day, 8.30pm

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