Crook locked in for spell with 'Merlin'

BBC, Shine series prepares for second run

By STEVE CLARKE

LONDON -- The second run of hit global skein, "The Adventures of Merlin," aired by NBC in the U.S., will bow June 21 and feature a number of guest stars including Mackenzie Crook, veteran of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise.

The show, produced by the BBC and U.K. shingle Shine, is again distributed by FremantleMedia Enterprises, which sold the first series to more than 52 broadcasters, covering more than 180 countries.

Webs that screened "The Adventures of Merlin," aimed squarely at the family audience, included China's biggest network, CCTV, and Oz's Ten station, where FME claims it is exceeding channel average ratings by 36%.

Crook will play Cedric, a creepy character determined to become Arthur's right-hand man.

Also guesting is Adrian Lester, star of Brit TV series "Hustle," and seasoned thesp Charles Dance, who plays Aredian.

Colin Morgan reprises his role as Merlin.