Katie McGrath
Katie McGrath has shot to fame playing the role of Morgana in the hit BBC drama Merlin, the third series was aired at the end of last year.
I caught up with the actress to talk about the role and the darker turn for the character in the third series.
- The new series of Merlin is about to be released so for anyone who hasn't seen the show what can we expect from the new series?
The show is definitely darker in tone this year. The themes are more adult and while there still are those brilliant comic and light moments that Merlin does so well, in all, series three deals with more conflict and turmoil, which I think makes it stand apart from the past two.
- Morgana has been a huge influence in the series this time around so how excited were you going into the shoot when you read the scripts?
I was hugely excited, but also quite daunted! Morgana was such an important part if series three, that I felt a huge responsibility to get her right.
I think most people were just like me, and had been waiting to see what she be like as a villain. And I wanted it to her to be wonderfully dark, and rich and malevolent
- And how are we going to see Morgana's character and relationships develop throughout the series her relationship with Uther is perhaps the most interesting?
You can't underestimate the effect at the year away from Camelot has had on Morgana. She has come back as a completely changed character, which means that all of her interactions have changed as well.
The fact that she has accepted who she is, and that she is magical, means that she can't see anyone or any of her past relationships in the same way. Especially her relationship with Uther.
- It's fair to say that Morgana is pretty evil in the show this time so how much fun is it taking this character down that path?
I don't necessarily see Morgana as evil. she is were she is because she had no other choice. She was isolated and alone with no one to help her and when Morgause came along accepting her without question, why then wouldn't Morgana side with her?
Also it's important to understand that Morgana feels that she is doing the right thing for people who are like her. Ironically She is more similar to Uther than she'd like to admit!
- Merlin has become a flagship show for the BBC now so what was it about these scripts and character that originally brought you to the project?
I liked the distance Morgana was going to travel in the show. From where she started to where she was going to end up were poles apart and I knew that playing that would be challenging, but interesting, and probably a lot of fun.
- And how familiar were you with the tale of Morgana and how much research did you do into the role?
It's hard not to be familiar with Morgan le Fay. Most of the research I did in to her character was more for fun and my own interest.
Our telling of her is unique and it's own version. I didn't want to confuse her with what had been done before. What's great about Merlin, is that these are familiar characters shown in a new light.
- Emilia Fox plays your sister Morgause in the show and you have played sisters before so what was it like to be working alongside her once again?
It's always a good day when Emilia is on set! We've worked together so much at this point and played sisters for so long that we don't have to act all that much anymore. it's very easy to work with her, familiar and fun. We are extremely lucky to have her on the show.
- You have worked alongside Colin Morgan, Bradley James and co for a few years now so what is the feeling like on set during what it a long shoot?
Working with the guys is like being in school with all your mates. It's been three years together already, so by this point everything is very easy and relaxed, and a brilliant environment to take risks and try new things.
We are very lucky to have such an amazing cast and a wonderful crew. The feeling on set is like a family, cliched as it sounds!
- And what are the challenges that you face?
It's hard being away from your family and friends, but you just have to make more of an effort to see them when you do have the time.
It's tempting to just try and catch up on your sleep, but if you do that, by the time you are finished and are free, you'll have no friends left!
- Away from Merlin you have also worked with Madonna on W.E that must have been exciting? Can you tell me about the project?
W.E. tells the story of Wallis Simpson and the King of England, but also alongside that, it tells the separate story of a modern day romance.
It has the most astounding cast. I never thought I'd be able to put my name in the same breath as most of theses actors let alone share a screen with.
And to able to say that I worked with Madonna is someone that I'll hang on to for the rest of my life. She has the most amazing visual talent and taste. and aside from anything else, the film is going to look stupendous.
- Do you have any plans to movie into movies?
I'll do whatever work is good and difficult and fun. Whether it's film or tv. I think the line that separates the two is actually getting smaller and smaller every year with shows coming out like boardwalk empire and the wire which are so filmic.
And so many amazing movie directors doing TV. It's actually a very exciting time to be an actor.
Lucky us!
Merlin: The Complete Season 3 is released 24th January.
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw
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