Merlin's Morgan Triumphs At NTAs

We've long waxed lyrical about what a flipping fabulous actor Colin Morgan is, so it was incredibly gratifying to see him pick up a gong at last night's National Television Awards.

The actor beat the likes of Matt Smith and Benedict Cumberbatch to triumph in the Drama Performance: Male category.

Morgan thanked fans for their "fantastic support", adding: "It's been a five year journey for ourselves, so it's a huge honour to end on a high after that and get the recognition from the fans."

While he wasn't positive about the prospects of a Merlin reunion, he was enthusiastic about remaining in touch with his fellow cast members, telling reporters: "I don't think that's going to happen. But who knows - let's see what happens when the future comes. We're definitely going to stay friends. We just made loads of friends on the show - that's the important thing, I think."

Morgan's Merlin co-stars, meanwhile, took to Twitter to congratulate their buddy. Aww.
"Don't know if it was obvious by the way I kept hitting him, but was and still am, beaming with pride for NTA 'Best Actor' Colin Morgan," quipped Bradley James.

Rupert Young, who played Sir Leon, also called Morgan "a legend and a worthy winner", while Alexander Vlahos (Mordred) described his co-star as "magnificent".

"Colin Morgan deserved that so much," wrote Vlahos. "Very fortunate to call him a friend and work alongside him."

The Irish actor will appear opposite Gabriel Byrne in forthcoming BBC One detective serial Quirke later in 2013.

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Merlin's End: The Stars Speak

GG♥SF awoke to sad news this morning, as the BBC revealed that one of our favourite fantasy shows is set to come to an end after its current series, to be replaced by an "ambitious" new drama in 2013.

The show will end, not with a whimper, but with a bang in a two-part special at the end of the year.

Co-creators and executive producers Johnny Capps and Julian Murphy confirmed the news, saying: "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.

"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."

Show star Colin Morgan (Merlin), meanwhile, thanked fans for supporting the show to the end: "From the beginning, this was always going to be a five-year journey that we embarked on, and I think the show has run its natural course.

"The show has grown and grown each year and now we've arrived at its strongest point and we've achieved what we set out to do... I know this is the end, and I know this is goodbye, but thank you for being there on the journey with us because it has been a lot of fun!"

The delicious Anthony Head (Uther) added: "Hats off to Julian and Johnny, the producers, for sticking to their guns with the five-season story arc of Merlin. It would have been too easy to give in to demand and stretch the show on beyond their original plan because of its incredible success. Instead, Merlin finishes at the height of its success and will, therefore, live on in people's memory. That's certainly what happened with Buffy - and it really doesn't happen that often.

"As for myself, I really miss working with such a talented and warm-hearted bunch of people - cast, crew, production. Everyone in London, Wales and France made the Merlin experience a very, very special one. Thank you all."

And the even deliciouser Bradley James (Arthur) had this to say: "The Merlin years have provided me with fond memories, great experiences and beloved friends, and all the while we were supported by a devoted fan base who made the show a unique, surreal and special experience.

"My words won't do justice to the honour of being King Arthur, so I shall just say that it has been an exceptional one, and that knowing the show has been a part of so many people's lives has been humbling."

Katie McGrath (Morgana), meanwhile, promised a "breathtaking finale", adding that she thought it was the right time to draw the series to a close: "I have always said the success of the show has stemmed from our audience being able to relate to the characters on different levels - being based on the universally-loved Arthurian legend is only a tiny part of its success - it's a story about acceptance and growing up," she said.

"The breathtaking finale of this series leaves you with no doubt that characters have been on their journeys and had their stories told - it's completely the right time to draw our telling of the story to a close."

Angel Coulby (Guinevere) echoed her co-stars' sentiments: "It has been a very special and memorable five years making Merlin. I feel extremely proud to have been part of such a brilliant show and such a great team.

"I think we've told the story we set out to tell, which ends with the fantastic two-part finale, by the way! I believe the key to any successful show is making sure you leave people wanting more!"

And Richard Wilson (Gaius) was gracious as ever: "Firstly I would like to say that I'm extremely sad that Merlin has come to an end.

"Speaking as Gaius, I feel I have mentored the young wizard as far as I can - he is much smarter and greater than me now and I am simply exhausted!"

As sad as we are, we've got to admit it's refreshing to see a series end as it was always planned to, rather than being dragged on for the sake of popularity and profit (*cough* Lost *cough*).

By golly we'll miss those knights*, though.

So all that remains to do, it seems, is start thinking about how the drama will come to a close. We suspect Arthur might find out about Merlin's magic at some point soon…

Merlin's final series is currently airing on BBC One on Saturdays.

*As we've only a few weeks left to legitimately post gratuitous shirtless images of Camelot's finest, here's a little something to help you cope with the news…

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