Game of Thrones season 5: What can YOU expect from the new HBO series...

There's been a lot of speculation this year about what fans can expect - if you've read the books you probably already know, but for the rest of us there's a long journey ahead.

We know that the characters will be venturing to lands strange and new, including Dorne and Braavos. We'll be encountering new faces like the the High Sparrow, the Sand Snakes and slave trader Yezzan, while also revisiting some familiar ones like Myrcella Baratheon and Jaqen H'ghar (possibly).

So we've put together a round up of what the stars of the fantasy series have been saying about season five so far...

Kit Harington - Jon Snow

"[I was] on set every day in Belfast. And I had more dates than anyone this year – I was f**king there."

John Bradley - Sam Tarly

Speaking at the Game of Thrones exhibition at the O2 back in February, John said fans should prepare to be "surprised" and "double-crossed".

"He achieved so much in season four, not only coming to the forefront and gaining all this responsibility during the battle for Castle Black but also forming the more intimate relationship with Gilly.

"You will see how that goes into season five and you will also see how that is affected by the arrival of Stannis and everybody else."

Sophie Turner - Sansa Stark

"There’s some massive moments, perhaps even more shocking than the Red Wedding type of thing. There’s like a lot going on this season.

"There’s also, you know, a lot of blood, a lot of death."

Maisie Williams - Arya Stark

"It’s the end of Arya, as far as anyone knows."

Liam Cunningham - Davos Seaworth

"It's a grown-up show; if you sign up for it then you have to be prepared for the worst."

Nathalie Emmanuel - Missandei

"We see Daenerys being queen and what comes with that, so it's not always smooth sailing but she's got her confidante and friend Missandei to help her along the way."

Alfie Allen - Theon Greyjoy

"In Season 4 and in Season 5, there are moments where I have to sort of sleep with the dogs, so I’m getting down and dirty, without a doubt."

"I can tell you that there will be characters crossing paths and interacting — especially in my storyline — who have never met, or have had just minute amounts of screentime together.

"There’s definitely a moment or two — and one in particular — that will really blow people away."

Gwendoline Christie - Brienne of Tarth

"Every year I get a moment of 'I can't believe they did that!' But this year, they're doing things that are so unconventional that I think it's really pushing the boundaries of the way we view television."

Charles Dance - Tywin Lannister

"Well, I’m not completely missing out on the next series.

"More than that, I’m not going to say… so, you haven’t seen the last of Tywin Lannister."

Game of Thrones season 5 will air on April 12 on SKY Atlantic