Harry Melling stars as Gilli, who comes to Camelot to take part in the Kingdom's legendary tournament, in this week's episode of Merlin. The contest has one rule: there are no rules. Despite his small stature, Gilli has victory in his sights and a secret weapon to help him – magic.
As Gilli begins to realise the full potential of his powers, Merlin finds himself torn. Not only is his new friend putting his own life in danger, but his actions also threaten to rip apart the very fabric of Camelot itself. Can Merlin make Gilli see sense before it's too late?
Here, Harry reveals more about himself and his role to Press Information.
What can you tell us about your character, Gilli?
He is quite innocent in the sense that he has never been to Camelot. This is his first trip there and I assume – well, I decided – he'd had a long journey to get there. I don't know what he did before but I think he was probably a servant – a bit of a peasant boy.
He comes to Camelot to try to prove something to himself and to everyone else. He decides to get involved in the tournament. When you first see this little guy he is in stark contrast to the huge warriors who have gathered to fight. You think, "is he crazy?"
As the episode progresses you see why he wants to prove himself. It's wrapped up with magic and his dad – it's all intertwined – and there is quite a messy reason for his actions.
Does he have magical ability?
He does, but not as much as I thought when I first read the script. Gilli has a magical ring – a bit Frodo-like – and through this ring he can channel magic.
The ring is actually Gilli's father's ring and his father never used it – which is key. His father wouldn't use the magical ring because of the dangers of it. That's the journey Gilli goes on in this story; he realises using magic is a truly wonderful thing – with regards to how Merlin uses magic. However, it is also a truly dangerous thing because it is so powerful.
Did you get to be involved in any stunts?
I did, yes. Because I was involved in a fighting tournament I had a little shield and a little sword and basically got hit by bigger men with bigger swords. It was great fun and beautifully choreographed. I did a lot of rolling about in mud.
You are reprising your role in the next instalment of Harry Potter; do you ever still get recognised as Dudley?
No I don't, which is really beyond amazing! I do look a bit different because Dudley was a very piggish character and about three years ago I lost quite a considerable amount of weight. It means that I can lead a normal life without the baggage of people running after me and shouting things at me. It was an active decision to try and change that and hopefully I can continue to do that throughout my career and be as mercurial and changeable as possible.
Read the full interview here: BBC Press Release
Merlin - Episode 3.11 - The Sorcerer's Shadow - Harry Melling (Dudley from Harry Potter) Interview
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