SPOILER WARNING!!! Descriptions of both Merlin Series 4 Episodes 1 and 2 on BBC press site!

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Programme Information

Network TV BBC Week 40: New this week

Merlin 

[Series 4 Episode 1 "The Darkest Hour"]

Saturday 1 October

7.50-8.35pm BBC ONE

Merlin (Colin Morgan, centre) faces his toughest challenge yet as the drama returns for a new series

BBC One's Merlin returns, with a thrilling two-part opener to the new series.

Merlin faces his toughest challenge yet when Morgana's blinkered determination threatens not only Arthur's future, but also the very balance of the world. With her magic stronger than ever, the sorceress summons the mighty Callieach to tear open the veil between the worlds.

Hellish creatures pour forth, killing all who succumb to their touch. With Uther a shadow of his former self, it falls to Arthur and his loyal knights, including Lancelot, to protect the kingdom.

But it will take more than just swords to vanquish their enemy and Merlin is shocked to the core when he discovers the only way to restore the equilibrium requires a sacrifice of unimaginable proportions...

Colin Morgan plays Merlin, Katie McGrath plays Morgana, Bradley James plays Arthur, Gemma Jones plays Callieach, Anthony Head plays Uther and Santiago Cabrera plays Lancelot.

Merlin also stars Richard Wilson as Gaius, Angel Coulby as Gwen, Nathaniel Parker as Agravaine, John Hurt as the voice of The Dragon, Tom Hopper as Sir Percival, Eoin Macken as Sir Gwaine, Adetomiwa Edun as Sir Elyan and Rupert Young as Sir Leon. Emilia Fox guest stars as Morgause.

Network TV BBC Week 41: Saturday 8 October 2011

Merlin [Series 4 Episode 2 "The Darkest Hour (part 2)"]

Saturday 8 October

8.15-9.00pm BBC ONE

The kingdom is on the brink of collapse and Morgana poised to strike, in the final part of this opening episode of the fantasy drama. As Lancelot races back to Camelot with the dying Merlin, Arthur must continue on his mission to vanquish the Dorocha without them. Though the Knights know their journey to the Isle of the Blessed is fraught with danger, none could anticipate the sacrifice Arthur intends to make there.

Friendship and loyalty are tested to the limit, but in the end, it's the power of love that changes all their lives for ever.

Katie McGrath plays Morgana, Santiago Cabrera plays Sir Lancelot, Colin Morgan plays Merlin and Bradley James plays Arthur.

Merlin also stars Anthony Head as Uther Pendragon, Richard Wilson as Gaius, Angel Coulby as Gwen, Nathaniel Parker as Agravaine, John Hurt as the voice of The Dragon, Tom Hopper as Sir Percival, Eoin Macken as Sir Gwaine, Adetomiwa Edun as Sir Elyan and Rupert Young as Sir Leon.