Game of Thrones season 6 release date: HBO confirms US start, Sky Atlantic to simulcast in UK

Let the countdown commence

(HBO)

Winter is coming, well spring, but you know what I'm getting at, as HBO has revealed that Game of Thrones season 6 will arrive on 24 April in its usual 9pm slot.

This falls in line with previous seasons, and puts to bed fears that the show would have to be knocked back to May to make way for other HBO dramas finishing up.

We've yet to hear whether Sky Atlantic will be simulcasting in the wee hours in the UK (most likely), but we'll update this story as soon as we've heard back.

Update: They are indeed - Sky Atlantic will premiere the first episode the same time as HBO, which will be 2am in the UK

24 April was predicted as the premiere date a few months back, as it follows the end of Scorsese's new HBO series, Vinyl.

To the surprise of no-one, HBO also renewed Game of Thrones for seasons 7 and 8.

From the poster, teaser and image we've seen so far (spoilers ahead), season 6 looks to centre on Jon Snow's resurrection and subsequent battle with Ramsay, and Bran Stark's honing of his Warg abilities.