Merlin is set to come to an end at the end of its current series.
The highly popular fantasy drama is currently in its fifth year, but BBC bosses have confirmed that it will not be returning for a sixth.
Despite getting fantastic ratings and becoming a real fan favourite for the channel, the programme will come to a natural conclusion this year, with the show’s creators choosing to end the show rather than it having the pull plugged on it.
Julian Murphy and Johnny Capps (who also operate as the show’s chief writers) said in a statement “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.”
The decision has been backed by various members of the show’s cast, with star Colin Morgan saying “From the beginning, this was always going to be a five-year journey that we embarked on, and I think the show has run its natural course. 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.”
He was supported by fellow star Anthony Head, who said “Hats off to Julian and Johnny, the producers, for sticking to their guns with the five-season story arc of Merlin. It would have been too easy to give in to demand and stretch the show on beyond their original plan because of its incredible success.
“Instead, Merlin finishes at the height of its success and will, therefore, live on in people's memory. That's certainly what happened with Buffy - and it really doesn't happen that often.”
The show will leave a hole in the BBC’s weekend schedule though, as it, along with Doctor Who became a formidable family drama double team. BBC One’s controller Danny Cohen has said “I admire the creator’s decision to end Merlin on a high, but also know that we will miss it in the BBC One schedule.