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Katie McGrath plays Morgana, the evil High Priestess intent on taking over the throne of Camelot in DIVA Universal’s Merlin. Here, Katie talks about the latest season of Merlin, and explains why she has a soft spot for her evil character. 

Q: Last season saw Morgana’s character go through a major transformation. Can you better that this time round?

Katie McGrath:At the beginning of this season we thought, "How can we top series three?" But we always manage to top it. We move on and make it bigger, better, darker, more grown-up. The great thing about Morgana is that she doesn't rest. She is always pushing things on. People will be pleasantly shocked by what she gets up to in series four!

Q: Explain to us how Morgana has developed since last season.

Katie McGrath:Morgana is an entirely different character now. She is much more confident. She has been ostracised from Camelot, but she is independent and in control. She remains very focused, poised and elegant. She's the woman I wish I was! I'm not like that at all – no way! I'm a completely neurotic actress.

Q: Do you empathise with Morgana?

Katie McGrath:People say that I identify too closely with her, but you can't play someone for four years if you don't understand where she is coming from. You have to believe her. I think her behaviour is justified because she is a victim of circumstances. She feared for her life because if anyone found out she was a magician, she would've been killed. She was hiding a terrible secret that she couldn't tell anyone, and Uther denied her as his daughter. She doesn't see herself as evil – she is just trying to protect herself. Anyone would have responded the same in her situation.

Q:  So, you don’t think she’s evil?

Katie McGrath:When a character is dressed entirely in black, it's hard not to think that she is the bad guy! But Morgana is not just a two-dimensional, cackling baddie. Of course, every drama needs a villain, but the best villains are sympathetic. People may not agree with what she's doing, but they can see why she's doing it. In fact, she has been a very popular character over the past four seasons. People have lots of affection for her. Why? Because she's amazing, of course!

Q: What has Morgana got planned for season four?

Katie McGrath:She's plotting to overthrow Camelot. She feels the family have chucked her out, and now she will go to any length to regain the Crown. Nothing will stand in her way. She is a raging train wreck of fury. There are many plot twists along the way. I could tell you what they are, but then I'd have to kill you!

Q: Do you enjoy playing Morgana?

Katie McGrath:Absolutely! If you had a choice between a good girl and the bad girl, you'll always go for the bad girl because they have more fun! The great thing is that every year Morgana is a different character. Of all the main characters, she's the one who's changed the most. As long as I can do that, I'll want to play her.

Q: Why do you think audiences around the world love Merlin?

Katie McGrath:The way things are economically, people don't want a show about everyday life  – they have to live that every single day. They want escapism. They want a show about magic in a fantasyland, and this ticks that box.

Q: What other elements attract an international audience?

Katie McGrath:Merlin deals with themes common to all cultures, such as chivalry, good versus evil, magic and fantasy. It's a very universal story that won't alienate anyone. Also, it appeals across the generations. You can sit down with your children or your granny, and everyone will find something to enjoy in it. It's pure escapism for an hour.

Q: Do you still get the same buzz from filming in the splendid French medieval castle?

Katie McGrath:Definitely. That never fades. You get constantly refreshed. You rock up in your jeans and your hoodie, and two hours later you’re in a medieval castle surrounded by knights in shining armour. What could be better than that?

Catch Merlin every Monday @ 9/8PM THAI-JKT.

Written by DIVA UniversalEditor

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