Since the air date of the BBC's "Sherlock" is revealed, fans have become all the more excited about it. Sherlock Season 3 and its Episode 1 "The Empty Hearse" has got everyone speculating and talking about the plot. For more, fans are already speculating the return of Irene Adler to romance Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock.

Return of Irene Adler in Sherlock Season 3

Rumours are that the character Irene Adler played by Laura Pulver may make a return with Benedict Cumberbatch in Sherlock Season 3. After Moriarty, she makes for the second most anticipated character to make a return.

Irene Adler is one of the most noted female characters of "Sherlock" series and the original story of Sherlock Holmes. Though, she appeared only once in Sir Doyle's story, still she is often referred to as Sherlock Holmes' romantic interest.

In "Sherlock" series the character Irene Adler first appeared in the episode "A Scandal in Belgravia,"

The creators of the show Andrew Scott and Steven Moffat both have denied any chances of the character's return to the show. But the actress Lara Pulver who played the character hints at the possible return of the character.

"As far as I know, I'm not going to be a part of series three. Sherlock is Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat's passion project. If it fits to have her back, I know they'll write it; if it doesn't, I trust them to get it right," said Lara Pulver on being questioned about her return.

"She's definitely not dead, which is always a good start. I think there are some other integral key characters they want to introduce into Season 3, which is kind of going to be their focus, and some new stories to tell," she added.

If that sounds disappointing, read on you'll find some hope.

"However, I have no doubt at some point Irene Adler will be back in that BBC show. It was such a wonderful piece of writing on Steven Moffat's part, and it's become a very kind of iconic relationship between Holmes and Adler. There's definitely more to be explored, but it might not be in the immediate future," told Lara Pulver.

So, if not in the near future they may have Irene Adler coming back sometime later.

More about Sherlock Season 3, Episode 1 'The Empty Hearse:' What, When and Where [Spoilers]

As revealed by Mark Gatiss the Episode 1 "The Empty Hearse" will take us to London Underground as the episode is inspired by a "Doctor Who" episode of 1968 titled "The Web of Fear."

Spoilers and speculation of the much-awaited Sherlock Season 3, Episode 1 "The Empty Hearse" have revealed that the show will begin by showing Sherlock's and Watson's reunion after the gap of two years. Soon after, viewers will learn how Sherlock survived "The Fall." And the episode will proceed to the London Underground. As per the spoilers and speculations there is a lot in store for fans to look forward to in the entire season 3 of "Sherlock." (Click here to know more about Sherlock Season 3)

While the UK air dates are yet to be revealed, we already know that Benedict Cumberbatch will return as Sherlock in Season 3, Episode 1 "The Empty Hearse" on Jan. 19 ,2013 at 10PM after the show "Downtown Abbey" on BBC in US. Also, a special screening event of the Season 3 Episode 1 will be held in the British Film Institute on Dec. 15 which will be followed by a Q&A round with the cast and production team members. It is also anticipated that the UK fans won't have to wait much as the show is expected to air in the beginning of the year 2014.

Read More about Sherlock Season 3 [Spoilers]:

"Sherlock" Season 3: As Benedict Cumberbatch Returns to TV, Screening Date, Official Photo and More Details are Revealed