Sherlock season 4 spoilers, air date: Steven Moffat hints at expanding the series with season 5

Despite the rumours that season 4 of BBC's Sherlock will be the last in Benedict Cumberbatch's crime-drama series, it seems that the show will continue for at least one more season.

Earlier, Cumberbatch had stated that season 4 will be "like the end of an era." However, Moffat clarified that Cumberbatch never meant that the fourth season will be the last one. On the contrary, Moffat said that the actor is "very keen" on playing Sherlock Holmes in more episodes.

"If you just look at what (Benedict) actually says, he says nothing of the kind...he actually says he's very keen to carry on playing Sherlock Holmes," Moffat said.

Moffat also explained that the rumours regarding season 4 being the last season went viral due to click-bait articles that have no authentic proofs.

Nevertheless, Moffat has made it clear that though the idea of season 5 is interesting, it is too early for its discussions. With season 4 still to be aired, Moffat clearly doesn't want the fans' attention to be diverted.

"We haven't even put the new series out yet. We haven't talked to the BBC about another run," Moffat said.

When asked about the developments, Cumberbatch said that it is not for him to decide the fate of the series and whether there will be a next season or not.

"It's not just about what any of us want. It's about what's actually right for the show, to be honest, and that has to be judged very carefully," Cumberbatch said.

Moffat stated that the popularity of the show is so expanded that it would be hard not to continue with more story of Sherlock.

Sherlock season 4 is scheduled to air on BBC in January, 2017 and will consists of three episodes.