Author George RR Martin’s fantasy epic Game Of Thrones will be back for a third series.

Michael Lombardo, HBO Programming president, has confirmed the news about the show, which started its second 10-part series at the beginning of April, and is shown on Sky Atlantic in the UK a day after its American screening.

‘Series creators David Benioff and DB Weiss raised our expectations for the second season – and then surpassed them,’ says Lombardo.

Set in the mythical land of Westeros, where summers and winters can last for years, Game Of Thrones follows the struggle to control the Iron Throne by seven noble families.

Peter Dinklage has won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for his role as Tyrion Lannister. Also in the cast for the second season are Michelle Fairley, Lena Headey, Emilia Clarke, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Aidan Gillen, Iain Glen, Kit Harington, Richard Madden, Maisie Williams, Isaac Hempstead Wright, Sophie Turner, Jack Gleeson and Alfie Allen.

‘We are thrilled by all the viewer and media support we’ve received for the series, and can’t wait to see what Dan and David have in store for next season,’ adds Lombardo.

Nick Fiaca