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Smash hit, family favourite, Merlin, produced by Shine TV, has been recommissioned for a fourth series of magical adventure for ´óÏó´«Ã½ One.

The announcement comes as the third series of the fantasy drama continues to enchant audiences on Saturday nights. The current series on air is pulling in an average of over six million viewers and a total of 24.3 per cent share of the audience.

Ben Stephenson, Controller Drama Commissioning, says: "Merlin continues to perform outstandingly well against X Factor and offers audiences an alternative treat on Saturday nights. I'm pleased to confirm that the magical world of Camelot will be returning next year for a fourth series of this fresh and modern retelling of a classic British legend."

Johnny Capps and Julian Murphy, executive producers for Shine TV, said: "We are both delighted with the continuing success of Merlin, and relish the chance to take the series to the next level with the long-awaited arrival of the Knights of the Round Table."

Merlin stars Colin Morgan as Merlin, Bradley James as Prince Arthur, Anthony Head as King Uther, Katie McGrath as Morgana, Angel Coulby as Gwen, Richard Wilson as Gaius and John Hurt as the voice of the Great Dragon.

Series three has seen a host of high-profile guest-stars including: Emilia Fox, Tom Ellis, Miriam Margoyles, Warwick Davies and Pauline Collins. Series three will continue on Saturday evenings on ´óÏó´«Ã½ One until the nail biting finale on the 4 December. Loyal friends and exciting newcomers arrive to rescue Camelot as Morgana's careful plotting is about to reach a potentially devastating and dramatic climax.

Merlin is made for ´óÏó´«Ã½ Cymru Wales by award-winning executive producers Johnny Capps and Julian Murphy from Shine TV, with Bethan Jones as executive producer for the ´óÏó´«Ã½.

The new 10x45 minute series will start filming in March 2011 and has been recommissioned by Ben Stephenson, Controller ´óÏó´«Ã½ Drama Commissioning

Merlin has also enjoyed phenomenal international success, selling to 180 countries internationally, with series two providing a smash hit success for the Syfy channel in the US, which has already bought the third series currently in production.

Notes to Editors

The viewing figures are a consolidated series average to date, up to and including episode six, which aired on Saturday 16 October on ´óÏó´«Ã½ One

RN