Game of Thrones season four hits screens in April

Peter Dinklage as Tyrion in drama based on books by George R.R. Martin

The new series of American fantasy drama Game of Thrones returns to television screens for a 10-episode run in April.

The fourth season episodes will be airing less than 24 hours after they are broadcast in the US on HBO.

The storyline for the show is adapted from George RR Martin's best-selling novels called A Song of Ice and Fire.

It is thought season four will cover the second half of A Storm of Swords, the third volume in the book series.

The creators of the drama, David Benioff and DB Weiss, have won critical acclaim for turning a fantasy series into a mainstream success.

Emilia Clarke plays Daenerys Targaryen in the series, made by HBO

Since it launched in April 2011, Game of Thrones has won multiple awards including Baftas, Golden Globes and Emmys.

New cast members in season four include Mark Gatiss (Sherlock), Joel Fry (Trollied, Plebs), Roger Ashton-Griffiths (Gangs of New York), Indira Varma (What Remains, Luther) and Pedro Pascal (Homeland, The Good Wife), who will play Prince Oberyn Martell - aka The Red Viper.

The final episode of the third series of Games of Thrones was the most pirated TV show ever.

Game of Thrones returns on Monday 7 April at 9pm on Sky Atlantic HD

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