These characters haven't been seen for many seasons. So where are they and why should they come back?

With the seventh season of Game of Thrones on its way back to Kiwi screens, it's time to refresh our memories.

As the Iron Islanders say, "What is dead never dies". By that same token, what is off-screen is never out of the plot.

These characters never died, but haven't been seen for a long time. Could they be coming back this season?

HBO A Gendry and Arya reunion cound be on the cards in season 7.

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GENDRY

This is the big one. People have been debating for years. What the seven hells happened to Gendry?

​This is probably the most unlikely to happen as Arya's old sword teacher appeared to be killed off by Meryn Trant after destroying the kingsguard with a wooden sword. But never rule out someone's death until you see the body.

"What do we say to death?"

"Not today," Arya replies meekly. Surely that has to mean something, right? Right?

It's also unlikely he could add a huge deal to the plot, but he was just such a charming character that it would be great to see him back in any capacity.

NYMERIA & HOT PIE

We need more dire wolf!

Ghost (Jon's) is the only one that is still definitely alive, but we haven't seen Nymeria since the 2nd episode of the first season. Like, a really long time ago. And she was so cute too.

﻿Not that she'd look anything like that now. She may even be as tall as her former master. Imagine that sight.

It would be great if she could reunite with Arya and help her on her benevolent mission.

What would be even better is if for the intervening period, she had been hanging out with another vanished character, another Arya associate, Hot Pie. He was last seen tending the bakery at the Crossroads. He was more of a comic relief character, but, as Hodor proved with his door blocking abilities, their demise can be the most heartbreaking.

For instance, I would be a mess if Edd were to kick the bucket.

His return also gives me an excuse to buy a steak and cheese the next day in celebration.

ILYN PAYNE

Ilyn Payne was the man who swung the sword that ended Ned Stark's life. As a result, he is another on arya's kill list. However, the mute executioner hasn't appeared on screen (despite being mentioned) since season two.

There is a more practical reason why he hasn't reappeared. Actor Wilko Johnson (who is a also revered guitarist) was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and was told he would be dead within six months. However, he had an extremely risky operation, which thankfully turned out to be a success.

Johnson is now hoping for a return to the show at some point, however brief it might be.

Is it all a coincidence that these characters have some sort of relationship with Arya above nearly all else? All the shots we've seen of Arya so far have her alone, which is either trying to drive home the point that hers is a solo mission, or hiding the fact she's in for some big-time reunions.

And that's not even getting into the possibility that the remaining Starks will be together once more.

