Jay Hunt says: “Sherlock was the hit of the Summer. Luther the most memorable new detective on the block. I am delighted they will both be returning to BBC One.”

Sherlock will return for another series of three 90-minute feature-length episodes in 2011.

Co-creators Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat commented: “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?”

Luther will return for two 2-hour specials in 2011, again starring Idris Elba in the title role as a near-genius murder detective.

Idris Elba says: “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.”

Creator and writer Neil Cross says: “In Series 1, we saw DCI John Luther take quite a beating – both physically and emotionally. In these specials, he’s not only still standing – he’s back for more. Luther’s world is as fast-moving and dangerous as ever… and the challenges he faces are even more intense.”