Fantasy drama Merlin returns to BBC One this weekend for an epic fifth series, with Camelot basking in the halcyon days of a new Golden Age.

Three years on from the end of Series 4, Arthur has never felt stronger, with Queen Guinevere and the Knights of the Round Table at his side.

But even as Camelot flowers, so the dark seeds of her destruction are being sown. For in the frozen wastelands of the North, men are disappearing without trace. In search of answers, King Arthur and his Knights must undertake a dangerous mission to the unknown.

Arthur’s Bane (Part One) airs at 7.45pm on Saturday 6th October on BBC One. To whet your appetite, here are ten hints for the episode…

» Prepare for some howling!

» Someone knows how to make an entrance.

» “You’re not looking so pretty now, are you, Sir Knight?”

» Sometimes a King and his servant just need a night to hang together.

» Gwaine receives some unexpected assistance.

» There’s something in the water.

» Merlin reveals a hitherto unseen talent to command an audience.

» It’s a bad day for rabbits.

» Arthur is not the only one to endure an unreliable servant.

» “Run!”

> Order the Series 5 Volume 1 DVD on Amazon.

Are you looking forward to Series 5? Let us know below…