The series is based on George R.R. Martin’s Fire and Blood book series, set 200 years before Game of Thrones. In House of the Dragon, The House of Targaryen rule all of Westeros, with more fire breathing dragons accompanying the powerful faction.

Series one was an absorbing slow burn with an explosive ending. After cementing the characters and their power-hungry dynamics throughout ten episodes, the finale left Westeros on the brink of civil war as the Targaryen clan clashed internally. We were also treated to a colossal dragon fight, and more of those are expected in series two.

Matt Smith (Doctor Who) returns in the lead role of Prince Daemon Targaryen. Emma D’Arcy (Truth Seekers) co-stars as his sister Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen, and Eve Best (Nurse Jackie) also returns as their cousin Rhaenys Targaryen.

The ‘sea snake’ Lord Corlys Velaryon, played by Steve Toussaint (Line of Duty), will return in series two, as will Olivia Cooke (Slow Horses) who plays Queen Alicent Hightower, best friend turned stepmother of Rhaenyra Targaryen.

Other names from the extensive cast include Fabien Frankel (Pistol), Ewan Mitchell (The Last Kingdom), Tom Glynn-Carney (SAS: Rogue Heroes), Sonoya Mizuno (Devs), and Rhys Ifans (Berlin Station).

Ryan Condal, the co-creator, showrunner and executive producer, said to Sky: “House of the Dragon has returned. We are thrilled to be shooting again with members of our original family as well as new talents on both sides of the camera.”

“All your favourite characters will soon be conspiring at the council tables, marching with their armies, and riding their dragons into battle. We can't wait to share what we have in store.”