The third season of Orphan Black has started filming in Toronto.

The conspiracy thriller was renewed for ten new episodes earlier this year, with Tatiana Maslany returning in the lead role as multiple clones.

Season 2 concluded in the UK on BBC Three in July, with the finale introducing a male line of clones.

Ari Millen will be back in Season 3 in a lead role as the newly discovered male clones – Mark, the Prolethean cult follower and Rudy, a prisoner of war.

Other returning cast members include Jordan Gavaris as Sarah’s foster brother Felix, Dylan Bruce as army officer Paul, Maria Doyle Kennedy as foster mother Mrs. S, Evelyne Brochu as Cosima’s lover Delphine, Kevin Hanchard as detective Art, Michiel Huisman as Cal, and Zoé De Grand Maison as Prolethean escapee Gracie.

The official synopsis reads “Season 3 plunges the clone sisterhood into unexpected territory with the realization that they’re not alone.  Just when they thought they knew their enemies and allies, season three reveals our clones are more vulnerable than ever before. Highly trained, identical male-soldiers raise more questions than answers.

“Who are these new clones? Who created them? And more importantly, why do they exist?   Sarah, Cosima, Alison and Helena are stronger together than they are apart, but this season will put that bond to the test.  Will they forge towards their truth, or fall at the feet of those who seek to control them?”

Perry Simon, General Manager at BBC America commented: “Season 2 of Orphan Black not only doubled its audience, it also treated fans to double the number of clones. Our network’s commitment to creating long-lasting original programming that hooks viewers and never lets them go is perfectly illustrated through this buzz-worthy series.”

Executive producers David Fortier and Ivan Schneeberg added: “We are incredibly proud and delighted to be commencing production on Season 3 of Orphan Black. We’ve been fortunate to work with one of the best cast and crews in the business for the last two seasons. We could not be happier about the success of the show and how it continues to be embraced by audiences around the world.”

Orphan Black is shown in more than 170 countries.

Season 3 will continue shooting in Toronto until March 2015 and will launch on BBC America next Spring. The new episodes are expected to air in the UK on BBC Three shortly afterwards.

Are you looking forward to Season 3 of Orphan Black? Let us know below…