The BBC has confirmed that Merlin will conclude slightly earlier than expected over Christmas. The first of the two parter entitled The Diamond of the Day will air Saturday 22 December as expected, but the conclusion will now air on Monday 24 December 2012.

Synopses and times:

The Diamond of the Day (Part 1) – Saturday 22 December 7.55pm on BBC1

High in the mountains, a great horde gathers; Morgana prepares for war with a vengeful Mordred at her side.

Merlin feels the weight of his destiny like never before as the ancient prophecies play out with terrifying accuracy. But before he can save his beloved Camelot, he must save himself. For it is not just the kingdom Morgana wishes to destroy – it is also Emrys.

Do not miss this penultimate episode in the epic final series of Merlin.

Colin Morgan is Merlin, Bradley James is Arthur, Angel Coulby is Gwen, Katie McGrath is Morgana, Richard Wilson is Gaius, John Hurt is the voice of the Great Dragon, Alexander Vlahos is Mordred and Tom Hopper, Rupert Young, and Eoin Macken are The Knights of the Round Table.

The Diamond of the Day (Part 2) – Monday 24 December at 8.15pm on BBC1

And so it seems the Prophets did not lie. As the great battle rages on Camlann’s mighty plain, Merlin faces his moment of destiny.

Can he find the strength to save the man he made a King; the Camelot they fought to build; and the brotherhood they shared?

Don’t miss the very last episode of Merlin as the legend draws to a spectacular and emotional end.

Colin Morgan is Merlin, Bradley James is Arthur, Angel Coulby is Gwen, Katie McGrath is Morgana, Richard Wilson is Gaius, John Hurt is the voice of the Great Dragon. Tom Hopper, Rupert Young and Eoin Macken are The Knights of the Round Table.