Sherlock annoucements

Casting and airing annoucements for the second series of Sherlock.
From Den of Geek:

Lara Pulver, who has previously been seen in the likes of True Blood (where she played Claudine Crane) and Robin Hood (Isabella), has been cast in the role of Irene Adler.

Irene Adler is, of course, a romantic interest of sorts for Sherlock, although we’ve got few clues thus far as to how Steven Moffat will be approaching the character. It’s Moffat who has written the first episode of Sherlock series 2, A Scandal In Belgravia, which is set to feature the character of Adler, we understand

After last night's repeat of Sherlock episode 3 series 1, the BBC voice over said that Sherlock returns next year. Afterwards, Sue Vertue said on Twitter (via Cult Fix):

“Please don’t blame the poor BBC schedulers for the wait for Sherlock. They can’t transmission it till we deliver and we’re still filming – Sorry!”