MERLIN - BBC PRESS RELEASE

THE OFFICIAL SITE OF ANTHONY HEAD

A new fantasy drama for BBC 1 currently scheduled to begin airing on September 20th, 2008, from 7.30pm - 8.15pm, with a repeat showing on Sunday the 21st September from 3:45pm - 4:30 pm.

Merlin is a thrilling fantasy drama set to enchant family audiences in a brand new 13-part series on BBC One this September.

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).

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.

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.

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.

Julie Gardner, Head of Drama, BBC 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 BBC One.

"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.

"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."

He will be joined by Heroes star Santiago Cabrera as Lancelot and Bionic Woman Michelle Ryan as the wicked sorceress Nimueh.

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).

The eagerly anticipated series begins long before Arthur becomes King.

Arthur's father is Uther Pendragon, the tyrannical King of Camelot who has outlawed magic in the mythical city.

Gaius is the court physician who takes Merlin under his wing and helps guide him with his magical powers.

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.

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.

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.

"We have a wonderful cast and fantastic locations, which we hope will bring alive the magic and myth of Camelot for a new audience."

Merlin is being filmed in Wales and France for transmission on BBC One in September.

Spectacular CGI effects are being created by The Mill, the Oscar-winning visual and special effects team behind Gladiator and Doctor Who.

BBC Executive Producers are Julie Gardner for BBC One and Bethan Jones for BBC Wales.

Merlin was commissioned by Jane Tranter, Controller, BBC Fiction.

To Merlin Press Release Series 2

For Merlin on DVD information, please click here.