KATE McGrath who plays Morgana in the hit adventure series Merlin reveals to First News some of the secrets behind filming the magical TV programme – from monsters to make-up…

Hi Kate, tell us about the new series. We left Camelot in chaos: the dragon was out and Morgana had gone!

The new series picks up a year later and you discover that Uther has become a bit obsessed with where Morgana has gone. He has been searching for her the entire year and, when he finds her, she is all dishevelled in the forest. A lot of the series is spent finding out where she has been and what has happened to her.

So your character Morgana has a big part to play this series?

Yes, it’s a huge series for me. And, what’s really nice, is that I am pretty much playing a different character because Morgana has changed so much. The first two episodes of the series are epic. They are going to blow people away.

How far in advance do you know what is going to happen with Morgana’s storylines?

Not that far to be honest. We get a general overview of what’s going on with our characters, but the scripts are constantly being worked on. Sometimes I have to learn new lines overnight!

Do you have any tips for learning lines?

It’s so boring. There is no quick way. You just have to sit down and learn them. The more you do it, the easier it gets though.

It’s been hinted that Morgana isn’t going to stay a good character. Would you like to play a baddie?

Absolutely! I can’t wait until she is the bad, magical person. I want her to be this super-strong sorceress. Hopefully in the next few years we’ll get to see that, if the series continues that is.

Each series, the monsters and baddies get more terrifying. What can we expect this time around?

I think this might be the scariest season yet! There are going to be some great characters and some great CGI. I don’t
think anyone watching will be disappointed – there are no shortages of monsters
in Merlin! 

What’s your favourite monster?

I like the wildren. They were blind mole-like creatures. They were pretty disgusting. 

What special skills have you had to learn in order to play Morgana?

Walking in high heels, horse-riding and sword-fighting. And magic, of course!

Ooh, tell us about the magic!

I can set things on fire. I am a pro at setting my room alight and seeing the future in my dreams. 

What are the costumes and make-up like for you on Merlin?

The costumes are not that comfortable to wear. I look at Colin [who plays Merlin] and he’s in trousers and a shirt, and I’m like: ‘I wish’. I have the most elaborate costumes. It takes two hours of hair and make-up every morning to get me ready, but it really helps me to get into character. I go in as myself in jeans and hoodies and come out as Morgana, a glamorous princess!

Are you like Morgana in any way?

She is way more confident than I am. I actually wish I was more like her. She is more self-assured and cunning. I’m much quieter and more shy.

Don’t miss Merlin, Saturdays BBC1 @ 7.25pm