British acting legend Toby Jones has signed on to play a villainous role in season 4 of Sherlock.

The news of Jones' casting was revealed Monday by the Sherlock producers themselves. He is set to appear in the second episode of the upcoming fourth season, which is currently beginning production.

"I'm excited and intrigued by the character I shall be playing in Sherlock," Jones teased cryptically in a statement.

Co-creator Steven Moffat spilled the beans that Jones will be playing a villain in the episode, and not just any villain. Moffat said that Jones is set to portray of Arthur Conan Doyle's "finest villains."

Mark Gatiss, the show's fellow creator, added, "We're thrilled to welcome one of our finest actors to the Sherlock family. I know Toby will embrace the part with true relish!"

Sue Vertue, executive producer for Hartswood Films, added that she is excited to have director Nick Hurran back to direct the episode. Hurran was nominated for an Emmy for his direction on Sherlock: His Last Vow.

"Great to have Nick Hurran back after his fabulous work in series three, and I've been wanting to work with Toby for ages, so this is a real treat," Vertue said.

Moffat and Gatiss have previously teased what fans can expect from the fourth season of Sherlock, though only in abstract terms.

"Sherlock series four-here we go again!" they said in a previous statement. "Whatever else we do, wherever we all go, all roads lead back to Baker Street-and it always feels like coming home. Ghosts of the past are rising in the lives of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson bringing adventure, romance and terror in their wake. This is the story we've been telling from the beginning. A story about to reach its climax..."

Sherlock season 4 does not have a release date on either BBC or PBS, though fans should probably expect early 2017 as a likely premiere time.

Tags: Sherlock television PBS