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Merlin's secrets revealed
Merlin is a thrilling fantasy drama set to enchant family audiences in a brand new 13-part series on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ One this September.
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Every Saturday night audiences are destined to experience a series of magical adventures, as they follow the unlikely friendship of a would-be wizard (Merlin) and the future King (Prince Arthur).
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The drama brings together a cast of acclaimed British actors (Richard Wilson as Gaius, Anthony Head as King Uther Pendragon) as well as exciting new faces.
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Colin Morgan is the young wizard Merlin, Bradley James is the arrogant but brave Prince Arthur, rising star Angel Coulby is Guinevere and newcomer Katie McGrath is Morgana.
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Multi-award-winning actor John Hurt has just been cast as the Voice of the Great Dragon. Enigmatic and powerful, he alone knows Merlin's true destiny.
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Julie Gardner, Head of Drama, ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Wales, says: "In this new version, Merlin and Arthur are young contemporaries for the first time ever, bringing a much-loved tale to a whole new generation with a fresh, youthful new look and approach for Saturday nights this autumn on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ One.
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"I am thrilled to announce John Hurt has just been cast as the voice of the Great Dragon. He is Merlin's mythological mentor and the only dragon left with magic powers.
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"It is an absolute privilege to be working with him, as he brings real gravity to the series, alongside a strong core cast and brilliant guests."
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He will be joined by Heroes star Santiago Cabrera as Lancelot and Bionic Woman Michelle Ryan as the wicked sorceress Nimueh.
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Further guest stars include Eve Myles (Torchwood, Doctor Who) as Mary Collins (episode one), Will Mellor (Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps) as Valiant (episode two) and Julian Rhind-Tutt (Green Wing) as Edwin Muirden (episode five).
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The eagerly anticipated series begins long before Arthur becomes King.
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Arthur's father is Uther Pendragon, the tyrannical King of Camelot who has outlawed magic in the mythical city.
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Gaius is the court physician who takes Merlin under his wing and helps guide him with his magical powers.
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It's a rites of passage story which sees Merlin and Arthur on the cusp of adulthood – both on their journey to greatness in a time before history began.
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Merlin is created and produced by Shine Television – the International Emmy Award-winning production team behind Hex and Sugar Rush – Julian Murphy, Johnny Capps, Jake Michie and Julian Jones.
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Johnny Capps, Shine Television, says: "It's a privilege to be given the opportunity to reinvent a classic British legend for this important family slot.
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"We have a wonderful cast and fantastic locations, which we hope will bring alive the magic and myth of Camelot for a new audience."
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Merlin is being filmed in Wales and France for transmission on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ One in September.
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Spectacular CGI effects are being created by The Mill, the Oscar-winning visual and special effects team behind Gladiator and Doctor Who.
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³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Executive Producers are Julie Gardner for ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ One and Bethan Jones for ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Wales. Ìý
Merlin was commissioned by Jane Tranter, Controller, ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Fiction.
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