We haven’t even had Series 4 yet, but Merlin will return for a fifth series, it has been confirmed!

The news was announced yesterday at this year’s Comic Con in San Diego. The BBC later updated and said there will be 13 new episodes.

Executive producers Johnny Capps and Julian Murphy said: “We are both delighted to have a fifth series commissioned and thrilled with the worldwide success of Merlin. We have some fantastic ideas in mind for the next stage of the journey and relish the chance to take the programme to the next level!”

According to Digital Spy, “Capps suggested that the commission will allow the show’s writing team more “creative space” and promised that future episodes will feature a greater focus on “slow-burn” character arcs.”

Filming on Series 5 will begin March 2012. Series 4 of Merlin airs this October on BBC1.