The current series is so far pulling in an average of over six million viewers and a total of 24.3% audience share, despite competition from The X Factor.
Ben Stephenson, Controller Drama Commissioning, says: “Merlin continues to perform outstandingly well against X Factor and offers audiences an alternative treat on Saturday nights. I’m pleased to confirm that the magical world of Camelot will be returning next year for a fourth series of this fresh and modern retelling of a classic British legend.”
Executive producers Johnny Capps and Julian Murphy hinted at what to expect in Series 4: “We… relish the chance to take the series to the next level with the long-awaited arrival of the Knights of the Round Table.”
The Series 3 finale will air on 4th December 2010, with loyal friends and newcomers arriving to rescue Camelot as Morgana’s careful plotting reaches a potentially devastating climax.
Filming on ten new 45-minute episodes will begin in March 2011.