Merlin to be axed after fifth series

'Merlin' is to be axed after five series.

The BBC has announced the fantasy drama - which stars Colin Morgan and Richard Wilson - will reach a ''natural and dramatic end'' with a two-part finale this Christmas.

The show's co-creators 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.

''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.''

The latest season of 'Merlin' has pulled in more than seven million viewers on Saturday nights, and BBC One Controller, Danny Cohen, admits the show will be ''missed''.

He said: ''Merlin's mix of magic, adventure and humour quickly became a hit with BBC One 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 BBC One schedule.''

Colin Morgan, who plays titular character Merlin, believes the show has ''run its natural course''.

He explained: ''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!''