BBC Two has announced the start date for the new season of The Last Kingdom.

Adapted by BAFTA nominated and RTS award-winning writer Stephen Butchard from Bernard Cornwell’s best-selling series of novels, The Last Kingdom launched in October 2015 and a second season began filming in Budapest last June.

Buy the Season 1 box set on Amazon here.

The Last Kingdom returns to BBC Two at 9pm on Thursday 16 March.

Watch the new launch trailer…

The official synopsis for Season 2 reads: “Set in the year 878, the second series returns as fearless and instinctive warrior Uhtred continues his fight for his native land of Northumbria. Uhtred, having given his sword to King Alfred, despite his upbringing by the invading pagan Danes, embarks on his voyage north to reclaim his own fate: to avenge Earl Ragnar’s death and recapture his ancestral lands of Bebbanburg.

“Alfred’s conviction to create a united England is stronger than ever and he sets his sights on the wild lands of the north, which have fallen into chaos and rebellion. It is a dangerous time for Saxon and Dane alike but Alfred champions a new king – a Christian Dane – to unite the tribes. However, this king has been enslaved and Uhtred becomes embroiled in a rescue mission, which brings him face-to-face with an enemy of old.”

Returning cast members include Alexander Dreymon (American Horror Story) as Uhtred, alongside David Dawson (Peaky Blinders), Emily Cox (Homeland), Ian Hart (Boardwalk Empire) and Tobias Santelmann (Marcella).

Thure Lindhardt (The Bridge), Millie Brady (Legend), and Peter McDonald (Thirteen) will join the cast in the new episodes.

Are you looking forward to Season 2? Let us know below…