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Hit family fantasy drama Merlin, produced by Shine Television, has been recommissioned for a third series for Ö÷²¥´óÐã One.

The announcement comes as the second series of the Saturday-evening show continues to enthral audiences, pulling in a peak of over six million viewers and a 31% share.

Ben Stephenson, Controller Drama Commissioning, says: "With its mix of magic, adventure and humour Merlin is perfect Saturday-evening family television, and we are thrilled that Shine Television will be creating a new series for Ö÷²¥´óÐã One. I'm looking forward to seeing what adventures our popular young wizard, and his friends in Camelot, will go on in series three."

Johnny Capps, Executive Producer, Shine Television, says: "Merlin is ready to burst back onto Ö÷²¥´óÐã One with more action, romance and, of course, magic to delight fans of all ages. After the thrilling finale of the current series audiences will be left wondering what happens next – and with so many of Merlin and Arthur's adventures yet to unfold, we can't wait to continue the story."

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 two has seen a host of high-profile guest-stars including Mackenzie Crook, Emilia Fox, Sarah Parish, Charles Dance and Adrian Lester, and continues on Saturday evenings on Ö÷²¥´óÐã One until the final episode on Saturday 19 December.

Merlin is executive produced by the award-winning Johnny Capps and Julian Murphy for Shine Television, with Bethan Jones executive producer for Ö÷²¥´óÐã Wales.

The show is a Ö÷²¥´óÐã Cymru Wales production and has been recommissioned by Ben Stephenson, Controller Drama Commissioning, and Jay Hunt, Controller Ö÷²¥´óÐã One.

The first series is a worldwide smash hit and has been sold to 52 broadcasters in over 180 countries; to date series two has been sold to more than 40 broadcasters in 165 countries, and counting.

LH2