GWEN

Played by Angel Coulby

Angel Coulby has an extensive bio including many television, stage and film credits. She has appeared in films such as Magicians, Imagine Me and You and Royston Vasey - The Movie. Her TV credits include Doctor Who, Vincent, As If, Conviction, Talk To Me and New Street Law.
Coulby has also appeared on the stage in productions such as Lavender Blue, The Hypochondriac and The Importance Of Being Ernest.

With all the low down criticizing Angel Coulby's Gwen is getting I'd just like to say..... As someone who usually likes their Guinevere's royal born and fair haired, I've come to really be impressed with Merlin's Gwen. I think Angel is a great actress. Very real, down to earth, and girl-next-door likable. She's a refreshing twist. IMO

Angel is great. I was one of those who expected her to be "royal born" and was at first put off, but as the show continued I liked the portrayal. Many people don't like the "revision" of the original legends, but I think that is what makes Merlin good--you don't know what is going to happen next.

I can’t really understand why a lot of criticism I have read in places has been placed on Gwen and the actress.

I don’t find the fact that they picked a black actress to portray Gwen anymore remarkable than an Irish actress to portray Morgana. Why say it’s not historically accurate when Merlin isn’t from factual history? The makers clearly chose the actors that best depicted the characters they wrote.

I actually think Gwen is an even more interesting character if you do bring all the baggage you know about Guinevere from all the different versions of the legend. It poses the question of how does this nice, sweet servant end up marrying Arthur and betraying him for her true love? The writers may not even do that you never know, but it’ll be interesting to see what they do in the end.

Same here, BlueBee. It does add an interesting twist. I like that Gwen is so different from what you've come to expect from Guinevere as a character.

I was thinking... In Legend Merlin is typically against Arthur marrying Guinevere.... Given the same age zone of the characters, I wonder if Merlin will begin to care for Gwen just as she starts to fall for Arthur? That would put a new spin on the idea of Merlin disproving of the match.

She may be a good actress but she is totally unsuitable for this role. Cannot even begin to imagine powerful men fighting over her, mainly because she is not pretty in the least. Katie should have been cast as Guinevere and Angel as Morgana. Sorry but am totally disappointed that she was cast as Guinevere.

Beauty that shines from within is more precious than that which is merely reflected by light.
Remember that, as of this point in the story, Gwen is "dressed down" as a servant. When
she gets glossed up as are the other actresses you mentioned, you might find her more
conventionally compelling. To me, none of the men appear "knight like", and my version of Arthur is surely more Brad Pitt than what we are being given, but I'm content to wait and see what happens.

Can we all just agree that the captured dragon is pretty buff and hunky?

unfortunately, as so many do, i feel pretty strongly about the poor casting for gwen. quite frankly, it bothers me increasingly with every episode. it's not that i mind angel's acting, she just lacks luster for such a reveled character. gwen doesn't have to be typically 'stunning' or 'blonde', she just has to have enough of an elegant boldness about her to make us believe in the character that was once so upheld. angel brings nothing of the sort to this role. she's cute and sweet, but falls very short of the sought after zesty and feminine gwenevere that we were anticipating...

Her looks are not only lack luster, but also do not fit the time period. And I, too, find her looks a detriment to the program, especially since she is such an essential character who is suppose to be paired up romantically with another essential character. I do, in fact, intend to stop watching when Arthur takes an interest in her.

Entitled to your own opinions, but I completely disagree with the personal preferences. Angel Coulby is a talented actress and quite attractive, even in her plain folksy costumes. She's suppose to be a handmaid, and therefore it would be stupid to have her glamorized. Pimento made some valid points, which I completely agree.

Also the comment about the time period made me laugh.... What time period is it you think 'myth' and 'legend' take place in? Camelot is not history, there is no exact time-line given to the tales. They are said to be taking place in either the 4th or 5th century, however as anyone who reads (or studies) Arthurian Legend knows, the elements of armor, castles and rules which belong to the 14th century. Legend aside...If there was a set, serious time period for the series, I'm baffled why there's a dragon sitting in a cave under the castle. lol

I'm of exactly the same opinion. If I hear someone say 'historically inaccurate' again I'm going to pull my hair out. Each version of Arthurian Legend takes on characteristics of the time period it was written in. That's true whether it be books, poems, art, films or tv series. It's never claimed to stay true to any particular telling of the many, many versions of the Legend.

With regards to Gwen, it suprises me when people say Angel Coulby doesn't look pretty enough to play Guinevere. I think she's a very pretty girl, especially when you consider they put her in dowdy clothes with little make-up. She's a very sweet, cute looking girl and they keep her that way. I think it's refreshing that they don't style someone within an inch of their life like they do in other shows.

Like I said before, I love that they haven't made Gwen all 'icey' like some versions of Guinevere are. It wouldn't make sense for this version. The way the character is written and the way the actress portrays the character compliment one another beautifully.

I have to admit the way at the beginning they were trying to pair Gwen/Merlin was a bit grating. These two work really well as a lovely friendship, but the characters didn't seem to match as a romance.

I am really interested to see how they manage to get Gwen and Arthur from no relationship and chemistry to the point of marriage. I could make a critisism of the show that these two characters don't have much of a chemistry, but I think this makes it a lot more interesting and more of a challenge for the show and I don't want to critque it for something it hasn't done yet.

I have to say though even though it was just one episode I thought Gwen and Lancelot instantly clicked and worked. The Lancelot we saw was the one which is reflected in most versions of the tale ; noble, honest and sweet. I think it makes perfect sense that Gwen shares these characteristics and you can see how these two would betray Arthur for each other, as they seem so perfect for each other. I think it actually makes sense that Gwen and Arthur have little chemistry when Lancelot is her true love.

I have to say though I love Arthur in this version so much, he's so likable, it does make me feel sad for him. I think if they move towards getting Gwen and Arthur together I'll just be crying behind a pillow shouting "No Arthur, don't do it, She loves Lancelot for cryin out loud!" Poor Arthur...

I highly disagree. I think she's very pretty and plays the role well in the way that the director wanted to portray the character. We have no real idea how the writers will be using her character in the future and they may do a 180 and really make the character remarkable.

I understand from the post that the person who plays gwen is a good actor but for this role its more realistic if the powerful men were fighting for someone who is beautiful. Im sorry but the casting role for gwen is wayyyyy off. Looks do matter! Quit lying to yourselves that looks dont matter. A show is more appealing with pretty people than full of ugly people. ITS TV!!!! AND if u want to compare to real life, ur not gonna find powerful men fighting over an ugly chic unless she got a spell to cover up all that ugly i'm seeing on that show. im sorry but this show is extremely disappointing on the casting.

I do not see why many people thinks she is ugly. She isn't ugly. Does she have a foot growing out of her face, is she missing an eye, no she isn't. She fits the role well. Who knows what will happen with her in the future...

OK please ladies do NOT take this personaly ( though I know you will lol ) but as a man I've noticed that women have no idea when another women is pretty. and no, the actress isn't a horrible looking person but like this has been said a ton of times she doesn't fit the part. and you know why everyone says it's 'historically inaccurate'?
Well it is because and oooh brace yourselves because I'm about to say something that will make everyone mad and scream out and act like idiots ..

But she is black and you know what? In the dark ages Blacks where not treated well in Europe and also women where not equels to men back then as well, so why does everyone want to make it that way? It to me sounds like they want to ignore how horrible women and blacks where treated back then by making them Knights or people of importance. And in this case this black women marries a KING so no it is 100% 'historically inaccurate' but the brits are known to do this to beloved legends like they did in the BBC production of Robin Hood, they destroyed that show..

But on that note I like this show a lot, Anthony Head is awsome, I've missed him ever since Buffy.
And because how I know P.C is soooo outragous here in the USA.I won't be back to check in on any responces because I know they will all be angry "your racist" Or "Your Sexist" responces. So please save your lectures because I won't be reading them. And believe me more people think the way I do they are just too scared to say so because of as I said P.C.

Nocuturnal_guard, feel free to voice your opinion. You are entitled to it. I don't care what race she is, btw. In my opinion, she is unattractive, like Minnie Driver but with a smaller head, and does not suit the role at all.

(btw: The word is actually spelled responses and it would be 'Your're' as in 'You Are' not 'Your') Besides those minor corrections, your narrow minded post was the usual rant. BBC's Robin Hood is my favorite series, Merlin is second, so I suppose I just have a different interpretation of what is and is not acceptable in a show said to be based on a legend. I never knew legend had to be proofread for historical accuracy, and casting limited to certain races... That's limiting fantasy. Fantasy isn't reality. I rest my case.




Brilliant post BB!!! I think you covered everything I thought when I saw the series back last year. One thing I will say, there's a slight hint (or two) in later eps of Arthur noticing Gwen... I think there's plenty of room for a 'spark' to develop in future seasons, as the actors/creators have mentioned of recent.

I'm going to say this one more time... (To boil the blood of Angel Coulby haters if nothing else). Angel Coulby is not only pretty enough to play Guinevere, she has a natural grace, kindness, compassion, and a surprisingly strong will, that does the character credit, next to many actresses who have taken in the role is other versions. The Arthurian Legend is not history, no one tells the tale the same way, or casts the same type people to portray the characters. If Morgana is Irish, Merlin the same age as Arthur, Uther king of Camelot, and there's a character called Gauis, than 'yes' this version may have a dark skinned Guinevere to become it's future queen. Can't handle it? Tough.

I have to admit I have seen all of season one...phew...thats my confession out the way, I've been desperatly trying not to spoil anyone in any of my rants. I have to agree they did put a couple of Gwen/Arthur hints in towards the end of the season but it was very slight. Am really, really looking forwad to next season though, now that they have set up all the characters and storylines and see which ones develop and how they do it.

I too feel like I'm on constant Angel Coulby defence. I really don't understand the controversy. She fits the character the writers have created perfectly. I think I'm defending her in about 3 different threads at the moment.

Well, you're doing a fantastic job BB! I feel the same way, and it's so ungrounded for people to target Angel Coulby. I agree that's she's perfect for the role created for the series. I really like her, and can't think of any other actress I'd rather see as Gwen. She also a strong actress, with believable emotion. A lot of young female actresses do a lot less in roles that offer a lot more, so I think she deserves a good deal of credit.

Angel's Gwen looks cute in simple linen handmaid frocks, I feel it's part of the character concept to 'dress her down' so to speak. I saw some season II spoiler pics of Gwen dressed up (in one of Morgana's gowns, no idea why??? lol) and Angel looks lovely, yeah even beautiful when she is glamorized, so it basically disproves the entire idea that she is too plain. But you know, there's plenty of attractive actors/actress who people will slam, so it's really not surprising some can't get over complaining.

I know, I was thinking that, about how much they dress Gwen down. I think the critisism comes from in the media in general we see young women being made over and dressed up to 'perfection', when in reality all these girls without make up and dressed in jeans and a T-shirt just look like normal everyday girls. We aren't used to seeing actresses on tv shows being dressed down rather than up. It's a shame really because I think most of these girls look more natural and charismatic when you see them without make-up all the time.

I would defend any of the actors on this show. I think all of the main 6 characters (and Lancelot) were exceptionally cast, especially the 2 lead boys. I can't figure out if the casting director is an absolute genius or just seriously lucky.

I too was initially disappointed with the choice in casting for Gwen. While she is a wonderful actress, her look is historically inaccurate not only for the wife of a medieval king but a royal chamber maid and dare I say a blacksmith’s daughter. Regardless of being fantasy it does take place in a specific time period and I was dreading a “Black Knight” Martin Lawrence approach. The whole of the series seemed to be pulling in that direction with the modern day slang and costuming. I found Morgana’s evening gown horrible! Yuck! However, after watching I realized the casting is brilliant and find Gwen, to in fact be the only one truly worth any of the other male characters time at this point. She is noble, she is caring, popular with everyone without having to try, has an allure without provoking lust and seems good through and through! I’m sure the character’s appeal will grow as the series does and she will embody more of the attributes Arthur’s Genevieve is known for. After all, Merlin is a bit of an idiot. It would be marvelous to see Arthur fight to secure her as his queen and I hope, since they haven’t kept with the traditional story line, they don’t make her a cheater.

I take this show for what it is a sci fi fantasy
and dont care that its not like the other legend they became
so boring to me if the stay the course of the original.
I can see it floping big time I love thay cast Gwen black
cause I whould have not watch the show if it was all
white like heroes now . I am looking forward to seeing
how Gwen & Arther hook up they have a lot of chemistry
on the dvd diary on youtube
and if this was not working
then bbc ratings whould have not been so high.
They whould not be doing a season 2.

We should look at this in simpler terms: There is simply no "wrong or right" in what television chooses to display. NBC is known to be part of the current Liberal power base, and they should be applauded for refusing to yield to silly things like "tradition" when they choose their casts.

We should all take inspiration from NBC's example. It's time for us to break down EVERY racial barrier that rises before us. I would like to start the call for a new mini-series about the life and death of Martin Luther King Jr. I propose that the lead role be given to Woody Harrelson, and I see no reason why Danny DeVito should not be cast in the supporting role as Jesse Jackson! If you think this type of casting is too extreme (for some reason) please keep your opinion to yourself...I have no place for your racial hate-mongering.

When I started watching the show I was confused with the "Gwen" character. How can Arthur, who is the prince and heir to the kingdom, ever come to marry Gwen? She is not of royal blood and is a handmaid to Morgana and daughter of a blacksmith. A prince cannot marry a commoner. I guess they are rearranging the old legend around. I see him possibly marrying Morgana. He has much more chemistry with her anyway. In reference to another post, Gwen is nice enough, but I agree that I can't imagine men killing each other over her...she isn't that compelling.

I agree! I love how they have made changes to most of the Arthurian legends we have already heard- after all, why would we bother to watch if there were no surprises waiting?

I'm also going to suggest that we seem to have attracted some spammers who post negativity and then appear to go reinforce that negativity with another account. I don't mean the regulars, but so many of these trolls have only a handful of posts which makes me suspicious.
---Tamara

First, I have to say I love this show... Arthurian legend is just that. There are certain things that are based on "reality" but, it was "fiction" even back in the time that it took place.

But the more serious and sad part I've noticed in more than one post about "Gwen"... such a sweet Character in this retelling, but those that say there would be no way that a "black" girl would not be at court, or say, they would have been treated badly, do not know anything about real history. (there was someone that mentioned that in the robin hood series as well, which I have not seen)

In the many tales that make up the Arthurian legend, One of the must notable knights mentioned again and again is in deed a moor. (who were black)

Historically, counter to what someone said that a black would not be at court, HISTORICALLY they did, In fact there were Moors part of the King of Scotland's court around the most noted time period, and There were biracial Barons etc. Racial prejudice is something of the last few centuries more than back then.

So at least research what you say just a little bit.

When I first started Merlin, I was extremely annoyed with the fact that nothing made sense - Merlin and Arthur being the same age, and I felt that the actresses for Morgana and Gwen should have switched. Despite all that, I kept on watching. The series kept my interest despite my outward complaints.

I feel that Merlin has developed an appeal in its own right. It's not the legends we know of, and I am now officially fine with that. Merlin is good in its own rights, and now I only have issues with some of its plot and storyline [back to the whole, it doesn't make sense thing].

I feel that Angel is perfect in her character "Gwen." We're not looking at the "Guinevere" we know from snippets of the legend. I feel that Angel has her own appeal that is so different that Arthur's attraction to her is only natural. She has her own shine that sneaks up on you in my opinion, and I find her Gwen portrayal refreshing and all the more interesting.

If they are to change actresses now, I am pretty sure I'll be peeved, and I cannot see anyone else for this "Gwen" right now anyway.