Hurt and Ryan join the cast of BBC1’s new drama Merlin

Published Wednesday 23 July 2008 at 12:55 by Matthew Hemley

John Hurt and former EastEnders actress Michelle Ryan are to join the cast of BBC1’s forthcoming drama Merlin.

Hurt will provide the voice of the Great Dragon, while Ryan will play wicked sorceress Nimueh.

Both join newcomer Colin Morgan as the young Merlin and Bradley James as Arthur.

As already reported, Richard Wilson will play Gauis and Anthony Head will play Arthur’s father, Uther.

Merlin was commissioned through BBC Wales and is being made by production company Shine.

Speaking about the latest additions to the cast, BBC Wales head of drama Julie Gardner said Hurt brought a “real gravity” to the series.

“He is absolutely wonderful in this role. He is Merlin’s mythological mentor and the only dragon left with magic powers. It’s an absolute privilege to be working with John Hurt” she said.

The series will transmit later this year.