‘Sherlock’ Season 4 update: Rupert Graves hints at Lestrade, Molly's romance in new season

Rupert Graves, who plays Lestrade in the hit BBC's TV series "Sherlock," has said that "Sherlock" Season 4 script is not yet in place. He, however, hinted at Molly Hooper (Louise Brealey) and Lestrade's romance in new season.

Speaking to Allison Keene of Collider while promoting ABC’s upcoming drama series, “The Family," Graves confirmed that Season 4 is set to begin filming in spring this year.

On being asked about the possible storyline for his character, Graves revealed that romance might be in the air in Season 4 of “Sherlock” -- for his character and Molly.

“I think definitely Lestrade has got the hots for Molly. So maybe they’ll develop that. We don’t know what happens until we see the scripts, and that could literally be a couple of weeks before you film,” Graves said.

Being involved with Molly might be a breath of fresh air for the character who does not get to do much than hang around Sherlock Holmes (Benedit Cumberbatch) and assist him in solving cases.

However, Graves agreed that Lestrade would be lost without Sherlock. When asked how his “Sherlock” character would fit in with the mysterious world of “The Family,” Graves said: “He would be on the telephone to Sherlock right away. He can’t operate that well without Holmes.”

Graves added, quoting “Sherlock Holmes” author Arthur Conan Doyle’s original conception of the character, “he’s not on the same level as Sherlock, but he’s the best of that lot, and I sort of approach him like that.”

Speaking of Lestrade, series creator Steven Moffat had said in a Collider interview, in July 2015, that the key to Lestrade’s character is he understands what Sherlock is and what he isn’t: “We tried to make sure that he was actually wise. Lestrade absolutely gets it. He gets what Sherlock Holmes can be on a good day, and what he might be on a bad day. That’s quite a key character.”

“Sherlock” Season 4 will begin production in spring this year and is expected to air early 2017.

Meanwhile, anticipation for “Sherlock” Season 4 continues to remain high. The Victorian special episode titled “The Abominable Bride” divided fans but generated enough views to once again affirm the popularity of the BBC series.

“Sherlock: The Abominable Bride” connected the Victorian-themed special with the ending of Season 3, with an explanation of Moriarty’s death and having Sherlock ready to figure out the meaning behind his mysterious reappearance on TV screens across Britain, asking: “Miss me?”