With half of Doctor Who airing in Autumn next year, many had wondered what this meant for Merlin.

Well, we have some good news, the BBC has confirmed that Merlin will return for a ten episode fourth series in 2011. Quite how they will schedule it is guesswork at the moment. It’s seems likely that the reduction in episodes may be so there’s room to air it after Doctor Who.

Ben Stephenson, Controller of BBC Drama Commissioning, said: “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.”

Johnny Capps and Julian Murphy, Executive Producers for Shine TV, which makes the series, said: “We are both delighted with the continuing success of Merlin and relish the chance to take the series to the next level with the long-awaited arrival of the Knights of the Round Table.”

Series three will continue on Saturday evenings on BBC One until the nail biting finale on the 4 December. Loyal friends and exciting newcomers arrive to rescue Camelot as Morgana’s careful plotting is about to reach a potentially devastating and dramatic climax.

The new ten part series will start filming in March 2011.