BBC bosses disappointed as Merlin producers announce end of show after five years
TV fantasy drama Merlin is to end after five years with a two-part Christmas special, it's been announced.
The decision came from the producers, with BBC1 bosses saying they would miss the show in the Saturday night schedule.
In the ratings war against ITV's X Factor, Merlin has proved a major weapon in stopping viewers switching channels after Strictly Come Dancing.
Arguably the reimagined Arthurian adventure is beginning to run its course, although the arrival of Alexander Vlahos as the enigmatic Mordred at least breathed new life into the stories.
There's only so much we can endure from Bradley James's witless, boorish King Arthur whose reign of stupidity has not only been absent of growth or change but has prevented the development of Colin Morgan's Merlin (aided in his struggles by Richard Wilson's excellent Gaius). Katie McGrath's Morgana has also been relegated to snarling repetitively on the sidelines (though I do wonder if the actress might make a good Wonder Woman).
Let's hope we do see some magic in Camelot as the show bows out. A fatal blow from Mordred would be very welcome - and, if he survived a confrontation with the king, a kingdom ruled by the devious Druid might make the show worth watching again.
Co-creators and executive producers Johnny Capps and Julian Murphy said: "This is the series where the storylines truly reach their apex.
"We always felt the story of the legend was best told across five series, leading to a spectacular finale that draws on the best-known elements of this much-loved story and brings to a conclusion the battle for Camelot."
They added: "We'd like to thank the amazing cast and crew for their professionalism and dedication, the BBC, FME and all of our partners globally for their incredible support and encouragement across the last five series.
"But, chiefly, our thanks go to Merlin's remarkable and loyal audience around the world for their enthusiasm for the characters and Camelot universe."
BBC1 controller Danny Cohen said: "Merlin's mix of magic, adventure and humour quickly became a hit with BBC1 audiences and has continued to thrill families over the last five years on Saturday nights. I admire the creators' decision to end Merlin on a high, but also know that we will miss it in the schedule.
"On behalf of BBC1 I would like to thank Shine and all those involved in the making of the show both on and off screen. I hope fans will tune in over the coming weeks to see the spectacularly dramatic final episodes, and we have ambitious plans for new drama in the Saturday evening slot in 2013."
The fifth series of the show will begin airing in the US on Syfy on January 4.
