Check out the first image from episode eight of Merlin‘s fifth series, which shows guest star John Shrapnel as the new character Sarrum.

John Shrapnel, who is best known for roles in Gladiator and Troy, will be donning cape and vambraces when he visits Camelot in a few weeks’ time.

Merlin is bringing in Shrapnel for episode 5×08 (which doesn’t yet have a title), but while we know the character’s name, we don’t yet know where his loyalties lie. But, considering Merlin‘s track record, we’re guessing he’s probably got a hidden agenda of some sort!

Digital Spy released the image, which shows Shrapnel on a horse looking very much like a lord of some kind. What is his business in Camelot? Any theories?

Tonight’s episode is the fifth of the series, entitled “The Disir.” Arthur will somehow manage to bring down the wrath of the gods against him, and now he, his knights and Merlin must journey out to save Camelot – but Arthur will be faced with having to make the ultimate sacrifice, while Merlin will have to make an impossible choice.

You can listen along as Hypable’s Merlin podcast Talks of Camelot discusses each new episode as they air – last week’s podcast episode was all about “Another’s Sorrow,” and they had a great discussion with a special guest host! Listen now.