NEW YORK – July 18, 2011 – The magic of Merlin will return to Syfy! The channel has acquired the fourth season of Merlin from FremantleMedia Enterprises, it was jointly announced today by Chris Regina, Vice President, Programming and Original Movies, Syfy, and FremantleMedia Enterprises.

Season Four of Merlin will premiere on Syfy in 2012.

In its third season on Syfy, Merlin averaged 1.93 million total viewers, marking an increase of 12 percent in total viewers compared to season two. Merlin also posted gains in the key younger demo, rising seven percent among Adults 18-34.

The epic fourth season will see Camelot on the brink of a Golden Age as the familiar blend of magic, mystery and action adventure returns. With Morgana now a dangerous outcast, Merlin must use all his power to ensure Arthur fulfils his destiny as the Once and Future King.

Colin Morgan will return as Merlin alongside Bradley James as Prince Arthur and Angel Coulby as Gwen while Katie McGrath is set to reveal the true depths of Morgana’s character. Broken after Morgana’s betrayal, Anthony Head also reprises his role as King Uther and Richard Wilson continues to support and advise Merlin as Gaius.

New to the fourth season is Nathaniel Parker (Stardust, The Inspector Lynley Mysteries) as Agravaine. Other guest stars already confirmed for season four include Gemma Jones (You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger, Bridget Jones) as the mysterious Cailleach and Phil Davis (Sherlock, Alien 3) as 'The Gleeman', an old world Circus-master with a dark and sinister secret.

Legendary actor John Hurt continues to provide the Voice of the Great Dragon.

Merlin’s success and popularity continues to flourish across the globe, where it is now broadcast in 183 countries across the world. FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) has invested in the fourth series of Merlin alongside UK broadcaster BBC One. The show is produced and created by Shine TV and Series 4 will be broadcast in the UK this fall and the US in early 2012. In the United States, Merlin has enjoyed solid ratings on Syfy, where its third season concluded in May 2010.

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"Too Soon from the Cave, Too Far from the Stars"