BILLED as the "real-life Game of Thrones", The Last Kingdom's blend of vicious Vikings, brutal battlefield heroics and political intrigue proved a huge hit with viewers.

The BBC has teamed up with Netflix to bring the epic historical drama back for its second series, and it's living up to its promise with much more of the same – so here is everything you need to know.

9 The Last Kingdom wowed viewers with its gripping battle scenes Credit: BBC

When is The Last Kingdom series 2 next on?

The second series of The Last Kingdom continues at 9.00pm on BBC2 on Thursday May 4 with the eigth and final episode.

Netflix, who co-produce the series, will be streaming the episode on the same day to various countries outside the UK.

After the season ends it will be available to buy on Blu-Ray and DVD from May 8, courtesy of Universal Pictures.

What is The Last Kingdom?

The Last Kingdom is a sprawling historical drama set against the bloodthirsty backdrop of Anglo-Saxon England, based on Bernard Cornwell's Saxon Stories novels.

It follows Uhtred, a headstrong warrior who was born in a Saxon noble family but was raised by Viking Danes after being exiled by his uncle.

9 We left Uhtred riding north to reclaim his birthright Credit: BBC

While he eventually finds his way to the court of the pious King Alfred of Wessex, his pagan beliefs and fierce temper often set him at odds with the Christian Saxons, and his loyalties are constantly tested.

9 King Alfred and Uhtred have an uneasy relationship Credit: BBC

However, Uhtred's fearsome reputation as a warrior sees him forge an uneasy relationship with the wily king, and play a key role in the fight against the Viking invaders.

The first series ended with Alfred's beleaguered Saxon army fighting back from the brink to win a famous victory against the Danish king Guthrum at the Battle of Edington.

We left Uthred, who lost his friend Leofric and lover Iseult during the battle, as he rides north to reclaim Bebbanburg – the Northumbrian fortress that was once his home.

9 Leofric, Uhtred's key ally in the first series, fell in the decisive battle Credit: BBC

Who is in the cast?

Series 2 sees all of the main cast return, although in a show where characters can be bumped off at any moment it pays not to get too attached.

This means German-born actor Alexander Dreymon will once more play Uhtred, The Last Kingdom's hero.

Dreymon recently revealed that he doesn't mind shooting the show's sex scenes – "as long there are furs around" to keep him warm.

9 Alexander Dreymon looks unrecognisable when not in character Credit: Getty Images

King Alfred will again be portrayed by David Dawson, who has previously appeared in Peaky Blinders, Ripper Street and Luther.

Danish actor Tobias Santelmann stars as Ragnar the Younger, Uhtred's charismatic Danish "brother", while Hild, the nun who accompanies Uhtred north, is played by Eva Birthistle.

9 Tobias Santelmann will once more star as Ragnar the Younger Credit: Getty Images - FilmMagic

Uhtred's friend Beocca the monk is played by Ian Hart, who starred at Professor Quirrell in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

Series two will see the introduction of Thure Lindhardt, who will play the Christian Danish king seeking the throne of Northumbria.

9 Millie Brady joins the show as Princess Aethelflaed Credit: Getty Images

We will also meet Princess Aethelflaed, the daughter of King Alfred who went on to become a major figure in Anglo-Saxon history – she is played by British actress Millie Brady.

What's happening in series 2 of The Last Kingdom?

After the first series spanned the first two books in Bernard Cornwell's books, the storyline for the upcoming season will cover books three and four – The Lords of the North and Sword Song.

We have already seen Uhtred journey north, attempting to not only regain Bebbanburg – the kingdom that is his birthright – but also avenge the death of Earl Ragnar, who raised him.

9 Uhtred will once more be dragged into the battle for a nation Credit: TV Company

There are sieges, battles and one gruelling sequence in which Uhtred is taken as a slave on a Viking longship.

9 Having secured Wessex, King Alfred has his sights on bigger goals Credit: BBC

If you expect it all to be tied up by the end of the series, think again – there are 10 novels (and counting) in The Saxon Series...