The second season of BBC Two’s critically acclaimed drama, The Last Kingdom, returns on Thursday 16th March at 9pm.

The epic historical series has been adapted by BAFTA nominated and RTS award-winning writer Stephen Butchard, from Bernard 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 season 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 season. They are joined by new cast members including Thure Lindhardt (The Bridge), Millie Brady (Legend), and Peter McDonald (Thirteen).

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.

The Last Kingdom Season 2 is a Carnival Films co-production with Netflix for the BBC.