A more reliable source has come forward about Sherlock series 4’s potential air date, and his name is Steven Moffat, Troll in Chief.

The co-creator and producer of Sherlock spoke to IGN following the series 3 finale to discuss a couple of items, including when we can expect new episodes.

“I have no idea,” Moffat admits. “Sue [Vertue, producer] is working on the schedules right now. I just started with [Peter] Capaldi on the new series of Doctor Who. You know, we’ll do what we can, but with no sacrifice in quality — that’s the thing. If people have to wait two years, they’ll have to wait two years.”

Moffat says that Sherlock is unique in that they create new series when the actors are available. “You know, it’s not that kind of show that turns up all the time. It’s just not. But the good news is, that probably means it will turn up sporadically for a very, very long while.”

A report from a sometimes-reliable U.K. paper said in January that the show is aiming for a Christmas 2014 return, but Moffat’s comments don’t align with that report.

On the other hand, the fact that Vertue is already working on schedules may be a good sign. If they weren’t filming until 2015, why would she be setting that up so soon? Maybe this is us being wishful thinkers.

Sherlock season 3 wrapped in mid January in the U.K. and this past Sunday on PBS.

All this week we’ve been sharing original features about seasons 3 and 4 to make the painful wait just a tad easier:

– Our favorite quotes from Sherlock season 3.
– 12 reasons Molly Hooper is rocking our world.
– 6 stories we’d like to see in series 4.
– All 9 Sherlock episodes from best to worst.

Thanks to IGN.