Toby Jones (The Secret Agent, Marvellous, The Girl) is confirmed to star in the next series of the multi-award-winning hit Sherlock, produced by Hartswood Films for BBC One.

Toby will star in the second episode of the brand new three-part series, which starts filming today. Episode two will be directed by Nick Hurran, who was Emmy nominated for Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries for ‘His Last Vow’ series three Sherlock episode.

Toby Jones says: “I’m excited and intrigued by the character I shall be playing in Sherlock…”

Co-creator, writer and executive producer Steven Moffat, says: “Delighted to have Toby Jones on board, bringing to life one of Doyle’s finest villains.”

Co-creator, writer and executive producer Mark Gatiss adds: “We’re thrilled to welcome one of our finest actors to the Sherlock family. I know Toby will embrace the part with true relish!”

Sue Vertue, Executive Producer for Hartswood Films, says: “Great to have Nick Hurran back after his fabulous work in series three, and I’ve been wanting to work with Toby for ages, so this is a real treat.”

Promising laughter, tears, shocks, surprises and extraordinary cases, it was announced last month that series four will begin – with the nation’s favourite detective, the mercurial Sherlock Holmes, back once more on British soil – as Doctor Watson and his wife, Mary, prepare for their biggest ever challenge – becoming parents for the first time.