Ian McShane gives an update on planned Deadwood continuation

The British actor is up for returning as the ruthless Al Swearengen

Ian McShane as Al Swearengen in HBO series ‘Deadwood’ (HBO

Ian McShane may have appeared in the most recent episode of HBO series Game of Thrones but it was another TV show on the same channel that helped make him such a beloved actor.

The Brit appeared as the corrupt Al Swearengen in Deadwood, the 1800s-set Western drama from creator David Milch, between 2004 and 2006.

Running for three seasons, the show was untimely cancelled leaving behind a dedicated yet deeply unsatisfied fanbase. Earlier this year, former HBO president Michael Lombardo confirmed that a continuation will be happening.

Now, McShane - fresh from his guest spot in Game of Thrones' sixth season - has shed some more light on the planned follow-up in an interview with Entertainment Weekly.

He commented:

"How could one not, when it was snatched away rather unjustly by a combination of forces we’ll never know about—hubris or money or whatever. But [Deadwood] certainly finished too early. At the time, most of us working on the show were incredulous. It’s been announced by HBO so it's not like I’m saying it. I know for a fact David is working on the script. It’s been 10 years since it finished. [Star Timothy Olyphant’s] free from Justified. I’m hoping they’ll make the deal soon, for two or four hours, whatever they decide on."

In an interview with The Independent, former cast member Kim Dickens revealed she hadn't been approached but described the series as "a seminal experience for us all."

Game of Thrones continues its sixth season this Sunday with an episode that promises bloody action a-plenty.