Merlin guest-stars announced

A number of guest-stars have just been announced as appearing in Merlin's second season. They are: Mackenzie Crook (The Office) as a creepy character called Cedric who wants to become Arthur's right-hand man; Adrian Lester (Hustle) as a devious character called Myror; Charles Dance (Alien³) as the Witchfinder Aredian; and Sarah Parish (Mistresses) as a shapeshifting troll pretending to be the Lady Catrina.

BBC executive producer Bethan Jones:

"With its combination of fantasy, humour and adventure Merlin has firmly established itself as a Saturday evening family fixture. It's great to be working again with the brilliant Shine team who have put together a thrilling second series."

Johnny Capps, co-creator:

"We're thrilled to be producing another series of Merlin for the BBC. It's going to be bigger, bolder and more action-packed than ever, with great new villains, white knuckle fight sequences and hilarious comic fun for the whole family to enjoy."