The Game of Thrones world premiere took place at the Tower of London on Wednesday night; a medieval monument to fallen monarchies and brutal torture which inspired author George R R Martin when writing his fantasy saga.

UK broadcaster Sky pulled out all the stops for the event, which showcased the first episode of the fifth series, with the booming theme tune echoing through the speakers, flaming pyres and dragon holograms - and they even had the Iron Throne flown in for the occasion.

Hundreds of fans dressed in costumes were there to see the cast - including Kit Harrington, Gwendoline Christie, Sophie Turner and Alfie Allen.

The new chapter in the award-winning fantasy series is mired in painful reflection, revenge, forged new alliances and a bigger emphasis on the female characters.

Seven newcomers will also feature in the coming season, with Welsh actor and former James Bond villain Jonathan Pryce as High Sparrow, Toby Sebastian as Trystane Martell and Jessica Henwick as Nymeria Sand.

But if you've read the series, don't get too comfortable - the directors may be killing off a character or two that stayed alive in the book.

Author Martin even said to the audience: "Everybody better be on their toes. David and DB are even bloodier than I am."

King Robert Baratheon, played by Mark Addy, also hinted that dead characters could in flashbacks during the new season.

Alfie Allen, who plays Reek a.k.a. Theon Greyjoy, said there will be "shocking scenes without a doubt".

The 28-year-old actor added: "I'd like to see how much farther they can push the sort of dark side of it as a show as a whole."

Allen, the younger brother of singer Lily, said there is "maybe a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel" for his character.

"It's done in a very clever way," he said.

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, who plays Jaime Lannister, added: "This season we are getting into the end game of this story so some of the major storylines start to overlap.

"I think that's going to be most exciting for fans of the show."

Michael McElhatton, who reprises his role as Roose Bolton, teased fans of George RR Martin's books that they will be in for some surprising twists.

Meanwhile, Kit Harrington, who plays Jon Snow, strongly defended Game of Thrones for its controversial use of graphic violence, nudity and rape scenes.

He said: "I think it's what makes our show and I don't think it's controversial for the sake of it.

"When women are nude in it, it's used for a reason. When people are brutally killed in it there's usually consequences. I think it's good."

He added that he thinks the show could go on for seven or eight seasons.

When asked why it was such a success, he said: "It's complex and it doesn't treat audiences like idiots."

The new series of Game Of Thrones begins on April 13 on Sky Atlantic.