Game Of Thrones: 8 Most Exciting New Additions For Season 6

The start of Game of Thrones Season 6 is just days away. The anticipation is barely tolerable, after what's felt a much longer wait than the nine months since the end of Season 5. 

This new season brings the likes of fan-favourites Tyrion, Daenerys, and, yes, Jon Snow back to our screens, and all of the trailers and promos have made this look as though it could be the biggest and best season yet. 

Aside from the White Walkers, dragons, huge battles, and political intrigue, one of the most exciting parts of any season of Game of Thrones is the new characters that come into the show. It's well-known for having one of the largest and most talented casts on TV, and as the show increases its scope the roster only seems to keep expanding. 

This isn't always a good thing, as often the characters can fall flat, as evidenced last year with the disappointing addition of the Sand Snakes. However, when done right they can be total game-changers,even if they'll still probably be killed off fairly swiftly (RIP, sweet Prince Oberyn). 

This year, though, there's particular cause for optimism. They're bringing in, for example, a fierce warrior, a badass pirate, and another version of the series' original protagonist, with some top acting talent to go with them. 

Winter Is Coming. The dead are coming. And all these are coming along as well. 

Aside from some brand new additions to the cast, there are quite a few characters coming back for this new season, having sat out Season 5 (or even longer). 

Bran is definitely the biggest of these, with his character - and companions Hodor and Meera Reed - missing all of last year, as it'd completely caught-up with his book arc and didn't want to go too far ahead. He looks like being pretty integral to the plot as he really begins his training at the weirwood tree, with the trailer showing him standing with the Night's King, while it's through his visions we'll see the Tower of Joy. 

Other notable returnees include Yara and Balon Greyjoy, Walder Frey, Rickon Stark, and Brynden and Edmure Tully. Of those, it's intriguing to see how Walder and Rickon fit into things, but in terms of screentime it's probably Yara who'll get the most, with the Greyjoys making a big return this year (Balon probably won't get long though). 

It'll also be good to see the Blackfish back, a great supporting character who has been missing since Season 3, and he and Edmure should be involved in a big storyline with Jaime Lannister.