At today’s MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival, BBC One controller Jay Hunt confirmed that popular series’ Luther, Sherlock and Junior Apprentice had been recommissioned!

Mark Gatiss and Doctor Who writer Steven Moffat’s adaptation of Sherlock Holmes, Sherlock recently aired and became an instant hit. Next year three more 90-minute episodes will air with Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman returning to reprise their roles as Sherlock Homes and John Watson respectively.

Gatiss and Moffat said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the warmth of response to our new Sherlock Holmes and John Watson and can’t wait to take them on three new adventures next year. There’ll be baffling new puzzles, old friends and new enemies – whether on two or four legs. And we might well be seeing the cold master of logic and reason unexpectedly falling. But in love? Or over a precipice? Who can tell?”

Also returning for two two-hour specials, Luther! Starring Idris Elba as John Luther, the near-genius murder detective whose brilliant mind can’t always save him from the dangerous violence of his passions. Elba said: “I’m really excited to be coming home to play Luther again. He’s got so many more stories to tell… assuming he manages to live long enough. I’ve cleared my diary and will be back later in the year.”

As well as a seventh series of the The Apprentice.. Lord Sugar, Nick Hewer and Karren Brady will be back for a second series of Junior Apprentice. The series will be extended to eight episodes and will feature a brand new line-up of candidates aged 16 to 17 years old, competing over a series of business related tasks to become the next winner and win a prize tailored to his or her individual career prospects, worth up to the value of £25,000.

Lord Sugar commented: “Following the first series I have had a brilliant reaction from young people in response to the show. They will be delighted that the Junior Apprentice is coming back and with a longer run. I’m passionate about giving young business talent the chance to step up and this show is a great platform.”

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