Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke addresses treatment of women after season five, suggests 'not taking it too seriously' is key

Season five of the hit show came under particular scrutiny due to plot lines involving Sansa Stark and Cersei Lannister

Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke has addressed criticism on the treatment of women on the hit HBO show (Getty Images)

Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke has addressed criticism on the treatment of women on the hit HBO show.

Speaking on EW Morning Live on Entertainment Weekly radio, Clarke, who plays Daenerys Targaryen, explained her views on the reaction by fans and critics.

"Obviously it's never nice hearing criticism about something that you, and you know everybody else, puts their heart, soul, blood, sweat, and tears into," she said. "But in the same breath, it’s a shocking show so it’s going to invite commentary."

Game of Thrones is never far from controversy, but season five came under particular scrutiny due to plot lines involving Sansa Stark and Cersei Lannister.

Clarke's comments follow those by actress Amanda Peet, who is married to Game of Thrones co-creator David Benioff. She defended the script by saying the writers create "some of the greatest female characters on TV".

"I think the thing that’s important to remember is that sadly, first and foremost, it’s a story that we’re telling that is make-believe… so whilst there is a political commentary that people can take from the show… I think not taking it too seriously is the key here," Clarke suggested.

The actress recently raised the hopes of diehard Game of Thrones fans by becoming the first cast member to suggest Jon Snow might be able to survive being stabbed repeatedly in the guts.

Viewers have been speculating about Kit Harington’s character since the season five finale saw him "murdered" by his own brothers of the Night’s Watch.

Showrunners have insisted Snow is "deader than dead", but Clarke said if she “had to bet, I’d say there’s like a 50/50 chance [of Jon Snow returning]. There’s some very helpful people there who could bring him back to life”.