With the second series of the acclaimed HBO adaptation GAME OF THRONES gearing up for production, casting is officially in full swing to introduce several new characters from George R.R. Martin’s epic series of novels (in particular A CLASH OF KINGS) to TV audiences.

The latest additions have just been announced, with the 22-year old, Bristol born SKINS star (the original UK version, not the controversy-baiting US remake) Hannah Murray joining as Gilly, one of the many women living under the tyranny of (the yet to be cast see update below) Old Craster.

Veteran actor Roy Dotrice (best known, to me at least, as Roger Wyndam-Pryce in the ANGEL episode ‘Lineage’) joins the cast as Pyromancer Hallyne, Chief of the Guild of Alchemists. Dotrice is already familiar to fans of George R.R. Martin’s series for providing the narration in the earlier A SONG OF FIRE AND ICE audiobook.

Previously announced cast members include OUTCASTS star Liam Cunningham as Davos Seaworth; Stephen Dillane (KING ARTHUR) as Stannis; Carice van Houten (REPO MEN) as Melisandre, newcomer Gwendoline Christie as Brienne, and Natalie Dormer (THE TUDORS) as Margaery Tyrell.

GAME OF THRONES Season 2 is expected to air in April 2012.

Excited by any of these announcements? What are your expectations for Season 2? Let us know with your comments below!