Filming has started on BBC Two’s critically acclaimed drama, The Last Kingdom, from Carnival Films. The hotly-anticipated second series, adapted by BAFTA nominated and RTS award-winning writer Stephen Butchard from Bernard Cornwell’s best-selling series of novels, is to return to BBC Two next year, with Netflix joining as a co-production partner.

The emotionally complex and compelling landscape of revenge, rivalry, love and loyalty form the backdrop to a gripping adventure based on Cornwell's novels, The Lords of the North and Sword Song – part of the hugely popular best-selling franchise, The Last Kingdom.

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.

Alexander Dreymon (American Horror Story) returns as Uhtred, alongside David Dawson (Peaky Blinders), Emily Cox (Homeland), Ian Hart (Boardwalk Empire) and Tobias Santelmann (Marcella) from the first series. They are joined by new cast members including Thure Lindhardt (The Bridge), Millie Brady (Legend), and Peter McDonald (Thirteen).

The series will premiere next year on BBC Two in the UK and on Netflix in the US, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Germany, Japan, Spain and Portugal. Netflix is co-producer of the second season.

The first, critically acclaimed series was a hit with viewers during its eight-week run on BBC Two in 2015, averaging 2.7 million total viewers. The series was also nominated for the best drama series of 2015 at the RTS Awards.

Emmy, Golden Globe and BATFA-winning Gareth Neame and Nigel Marchant return as Executive Producers for Carnival Films alongside Stephen Butchard. Elizabeth Kilgarriff is the Executive Producer for the BBC and Dominic Barlow will produce this series.

The Last Kingdom series two will be broadcast on BBC Two and Netflix in 2017.