Neath Abbey
A BBC crew descended on the ancient ruins yesterday to shoot scenes for the third series of the smash-hit family drama Merlin.
Stars including Colin Morgan, who plays Merlin, Bradley James, who plays Arthur, and veteran actor Richard Wilson, who appears as Merlin's guardian and mentor Gaius, were all there. Also present was Angel Coulby, who plays Gwen.
Not surprisingly there was no sign of the series's biggest character — the Great Dragon, a computer-generated winged creature voiced in a studio by John Hurt.
One passer-by said: "A few of us sat on the wall, watching what was going on.
"They had put up black screens around part of the abbey where they were filming, but everyone was very friendly and people were still allowed to walk around the rest of the site.
"We saw some of the main actors while they were taking a break from filming. They would sit around, reading their scripts.
"It was really exciting to see it happening so close to where we live." South West Wales is now more popular than ever for location filming. Hollywood star Minnie Driver is in Swansea working on a new film, Doctor Who is a regular visitor, while spin-off show Torchwood has filmed at Margam Orangery.
This is the second time Neath Abbey has been used as a location for Merlin.
The former Cistercian monastery appeared as the crypt at King Odin's castle in series two.
Merlin takes elements of the King Arthur mythology and explores them in new ways. The characters are all presented in their younger days, at a time when magic was outlawed and Arthur has no idea of his servant Merlin's abilities.
Made for the BBC by Shine Television, the second series was such a big hit, pulling in a peak audience of six million viewers, that a third run was commissioned without delay.
Controller for drama commissioning Ben Stephenson said: "With its mix of magic, adventure and humour Merlin is perfect Saturday evening family television.
"I'm looking forward to seeing what adventures our popular young wizard, and his friends in Camelot, will go on in series three."
Merlin is expected to return to BBC One on Saturday, September 11.
02 Sept 2010 South Wales Evening Post
