The BBC's next big Saturday night drama is going to be Merlin, chronicling the time before Arthur becomes King, as a youthful Merlin develops his magical powers. The series has just secured the services of John Hurt (as the voice of the Great Dragon) and the lovely Michelle Ryan (EastEnders/Bionic Woman) as evil sorceress Nimueh...
Colin Morgan (Doctor Who's "Midnight") stars as the eponymous wizard, while Santiago Cabrera (Heroes) is playing Lancelot. Newcomers Angel Coulby and Katie McGrath will play Guinevere and Morgana, respectively. It was previously announced that Richard Wilson (One Foot In The Grave) has a part as Merlin's mentor Gaius and Anthony Head (Buffy The Vampire Slayer) will be King Uther Pendragon -- father of Arthur, played by Bradley James.
The 13-part series is currently being filmed in Wales and France, and will be shown on BBC1 this September. In a coup for the BBC, Merlin will also be shown on primetime network television in the US, as NBC have picked up the rights.
Over on ITV, the British Law & Order spin-off is assembling its cast, which now includes Freema Agyeman (Doctor Who/Torchwood), Jamie Bamber (Lee in Battlestar Galactica) and, um, Bradley Walsh (Coronation Street). Filming starts next month under the watchful eye of showrunner Chris Chibnall (Torchwood).
