Michelle Ryan savours evil 'Merlin' role

Michelle Ryan relished playing wicked sorceress Nimueh in Merlin as she had never portrayed a "baddie" before.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Ryan said: "It's the first baddie I've ever played and it has been great fun. I have dreadlocks and a red, slashed costume, which is very striking. I have blue contact lenses that are quite hypnotic too."

Former EastEnders and Bionic Woman star Ryan also revealed that her Merlin role was extended after the character impressed the show's bosses: "Nimueh was only supposed to be a cameo role in three episodes, but they were so pleased with her that she appears in five."

> Click here for our review of latest Merlin episode 'The Mark Of Nimueh'