HomeInterview with Merlin's Angel Coulby
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Angel Coulby plays Gwen, the strong-willed servant and love interest to the future king of Camelot in DIVA Universal’s Merlin. Here, Angel talks about the latest season of Merlin, and hints at what we can expect for Gwen and Arthur.
Q: How would you describe Gwen?
Angel Coulby: She started off as a bumbling, shy creature but she has become so strong and brave – she is by no means a doormat. You will see really heroic things from her during this series, she comes forward in court and stands up to Arthur's evil uncle, Agravaine. It's a very risky thing to do, but Gwen feels it's more important to be fair than to be sensible. I truly admire her for her big heart. She's a lovely character to play.
Q: So where is Gwen at the beginning of season four?
Angel Coulby: She is no longer working for Morgana – that relationship is totally fractured. For Arthur's sake, she has stayed in the castle and taken it upon herself to care for Uther, who has been seriously damaged by Morgana's betrayal and needs a lot of looking after. Arthur really loves his father, and Gwen cares so much about Arthur that she wants to be supportive of him.
Q: How would you characterise Gwen's relationship with Arthur at this stage?
Angel Coulby: They are being a bit more public with their love. At the end of the last series, we saw them have a little kiss in the courtyard. She said to him, "but people will see", and he replied, "I don't care any more!" It was a very hopeful moment for her, but they're still not a proper couple. They have to be clandestine, so Arthur doesn't appear to go against his father's rules.
Q: What does Gwen see in Arthur?
Angel Coulby: She sees a man with a lot of heart, even though he hasn't always shown it. He's been taught by is father to be a brave warrior and shied away from the emotional side – typical bloke! But he genuinely cares about the people more than his father does. He comes to realise that you need to care about ordinary citizens, not just those in power. He will make a very good King.
Q: What are the qualities in Gwen that draw Arthur towards her?
Angel Coulby: Arthur sees that Gwen is very brave and noble – she always thinks of others before herself. She fights against injustice and passionately cares about treating people fairly. She, too, has a very big heart. Arthur can talk to her and open up to her in a way that he can't to anyone else.
Q: How does the relationship develop?
Angel Coulby: It becomes very turbulent. Lancelot reappears and that tears things apart. There is a lot of disruption for the three people involved in that love triangle. They both love her because she is amazing! She's kind and doesn't want to hurt anyone. She wants to do the right thing and there is a battle raging inside her.
Q: How does Gwen view Morgana now?
Angel Coulby: She feels badly betrayed and doesn't trust Morgana any more. Morgana now lives outside Camelot, but she's still meddling and trying to get what she sees as her rightful place back on the throne. She is still causing trouble, and Gwen lives in fear that one day she will come back to Camelot.
Q: In this series, the Knights of the Round Table have become much more prominent. What do they bring to the show?
Angel Coulby: The Knights become Arthur's personal army, and they enrich the world of Camelot. They provide chivalry and heroism, but there is also a lot of comedy to be had. It is also very nice having a bunch of really attractive guys around – I can't lie about that!
Q: Why has this show been such a worldwide hit?
Angel Coulby: It has a very broad audience – everyone from the age of 8 to 80 enjoys it. It has a good balance between light and dark, and it has romance, chivalry and heroism. That appeals to everyone. People also love the magical, fantastical, escapist elements.
Q: Do you think the success of Merlin has anything to do with the recession?
Angel Coulby: Possibly. Life can be tough at the moment, and it’s very nice just to sit down and watch something, which takes you away from our difficult world. We want a bit of escapism right now. Also, because of the recession, people do not want to go out and spend money. They want to stay in and watch brilliant television like Merlin.
Q: Do you get a lot of attention from fans in the street?
Angel Coulby: Yes. They come up to me all the time, but they are always very friendly. Sometimes I will be sitting on the bus, and just as I am getting off, someone will say to me, "I love Merlin. Is there going to be another series?" I'm glad they do it just as I am getting off – otherwise you're sitting around in embarrassed silence for 4 or 5 stops. That happened to me once, and it was awful!
Catch Merlin every Monday @ 9/8PM THAI-JKT.
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