Ever since Sherlock launched in 2010, fans have had to wait two years between each three-episode season. After Season 3 debuted in January, most fans assumed that the next installment of this hit BBC series wouldn't debut until 2016, but in a new interview, series star Martin Freeman hinted that fans may be treated to a Christmas special in 2015.

"If that's going to be a special - I'm speaking off-message here; if this was New Labour I'd get fired - I think that might be for next Christmas. A Christmas special. That's what I understand."

Martin Freeman teased in April that a "one-off special" may happen before Season 4, but this is the first we're hearing that it will be a Christmas special. The actor hinted that it "looks pretty likely" that he will reunite with Benedict Cumberbatch in early 2015 to film the special, but a "full-blown series is unlikely."

While that doesn't mean Season 4 is completely off the table, it may indicate fans will likely have to wait a bit longer, especially given how both Martin Freeman and Benedict Cumberbatch's careers have skyrocketed since Sherlock's debut just four years ago.

Martin Freeman was also asked if Amanda Abbington, who is both the actor's wife in real life while portraying Watson's wife Mary on Sherlock, will be returning for the show. Here's what he had to say, offering up a big spoiler for those unfamiliar with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's stories.

"Certainly, yes, for the foreseeable future. While we play fast and loose with the original stories, we generally follow the trajectory of what Conan Doyle did. So he [Watson] gets married, and then Mary dies - so at some point presumably she'll die."

Are you excited for a Sherlock Christmas special next year? Chime in with your thoughts below.