The wait is over! BBC has confirmed the UK airdate for Sherlock Season 3. Watch Benedict Cumberbatch come alive as genius detective Sherlock Holmes in Episode 1 "The Empty Hearse" during the festive occasion of New Years on Jan. 1, 2014. As soon as the airdate was revealed by BBC on Nov. 29, 2013 reaction spread on twitter and the numbers of followers multiplied.

BBC Confirms Sherlock Season 3 Airdate

Prior to the confirmation by BBC, Sherlock Season 3 was expected to air during the Christmas period. This was speculated on the reports based on BBC's Christmas schedule. But Benedict Cumberbatch will return on UK screens on New Year's Day. This will happen exactly two weeks after the Dec. 15 special screening of Sherlock Season 3 Episode 1 "The Empty Hearse" in an event at London's British Film Institute.

The announcement of the airdate of Sherlock Season 3 was done in style. It was not a mere announcement but, the message was conveyed through a hearse that visited the locations associated with Sherlock. The black hearse visited Baker Street, North Gower Street, St.Bart's Hospital and more. The hearse had airdate spelled with flowers at the back of it. It said: "Sherlock 010114." Click HERE to see the photo of the black hearse.

Airing on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014 the opening segment of the show is speculated to return at 8:30 PM on BBC1. The rest of the two episodes will switch to its usual slot of Sunday, airing on Jan. 5, 2014 and Jan. 12, 2014. This means that the fans will be treated with two episodes of Sherlock Season 3 in one week.

Unfortunately, U.S. fans will have to wait for Benedict Cumberbatch to entertain them with yet another mystery of Sherlock Season 3 on Jan. 19, 2014.

BBC's Sherlock Season 3 Airdate Announcement Sends Twitter Abuzz

Fans excitement over the confirmation of the airdate of BBC's Sherlock Season 3 knew no boundaries. The announcement sent twitter abuzz with their tweets expressing their excitement over Benedict Cumberbatch's return.

Some of the tweets read:

A twitter user wrote: "An empty hearse after a two year wait. I couldn't help but jump for joy. #SherlockLives @BBCOne

Another Twitter user wrote :" I NEVER THOUGHT I'D BE SO BLOODY HAPPY TO SEE A HEARSE!!!!!!!!OMG!!!!!! I CAN'T I JUS, WOW!!!!! #SherlockLives. pic.twitter.com/t8zAlyHMCL--#SHERLOCK 01/01/2014"

#SherlockLives #SherlockLives #SherlockLives I simply cannot wait for series three. I perfectly know this will totally ruin my life though

— Kara Thrace (@Freezeray_) December 2, 2013

After observing the excitement of their fans, BBC expressed its joy in a tweet on twitter posted on Nov. 30, 2013. The tweet read: "You know when you hit 300,000 Twitter followers on the day that you confirm #Sherlock 3's premiere? #TheSignOfThree." Click HERE to see the tweet that shows how the unexpected announcement led to an increase in the followers to 300,000.

Though, the fans need to wait until next year but, it seems they are thrilled for the upcoming season. BBC's Sherlock Season 3 Episode 1 "The Empty Hearse" is not only expected to bring back Benedict Cumberbatch with it, but also answers to questions regarding how Holmes survived the fall. So now that the airdate has been confirmed, fans may brace themselves for a stimulating yet short-lived installment that is just a month away.

Watch the trailer of Sherlock Season 3 Episode 1 "The Empty Hearse" below:

Credit: Youtube.com/ Manon H

Read More about Sherlock Season 3:

Sherlock Season 3 Spoilers: New Teaser Trailer Confirms Holmes Is Alive; Will Moriarty Return In the Series [Video]

Sherlock Season 3 Spoilers: Will Irene Adler Return? More about Benedict Cumberbatch's Return in Episode 1 'The Empty Hearse'