Game of Thrones actor drops a huge series six spoiler

English actor Ian McShane just gave the Game of Thrones-obsessed quarters of the internet a brand new spoiler drum to bang. 

As such, we suggest anyone hoping the next season of HBO's hit fantasy adaptation retains its unblemished secrecy to look away now - because we're about to give said drum the biggest thumping you ever heard.

Cast in an unknown role for season six, 73-year-old McShane (seen above) shed the slimmest crack of light on his character in a brief interview with Pop Goes The News.

Foremost, McShane's character will only appear in one episode of the new season - implying that his role is either distinctly minor (unlikely) or that he'll go the way of many George R R Martin characters and meet his end in a rush of blood and cheering. 

He also had this juicy hint to drop:

I am responsible for bringing somebody back that you think you’re never going to see again. I’ll leave it at that.

As to who that might be, here are the internet's biggest hunches...

Jon Snow

He knows nothing, and we know very little about his potential return in series six. While cast and show writers have stated that Snow is "very dead", Kit Harington's appearance on the set of the new series would suggest that his death has been greatly exaggerated. 

While Melisandre was our favourite pick for bringing back young Snow, McShane's utterance means he has to be considered. 

The Hound

Stick with us on this.

Sandor Celgane actor Rory McCann was spotted hanging around the set of HBO's sixth season, sparking many to think he hadn't quite been finished off by Brienne of Tarth after all. 

This theory draws largely on details included in the Song of Ice and Fire book series, that sees Brienne continue her search for Sansa on a remote island known as the Quiet Isle. Here she meets a character called the Elder Brother, who claims he buried the Hound himself. The major point of this meeting though, is for Brienne to notice that the Elder Brother's grave digger bears a striking resemblance to Sandor Clegane, with similar facial injuries.

Perhaps the Hound could return to terrorise Westeros for a little longer?

Catelyn Stark

Another theory familiar to readers of George R R Martin's books, there's the possibility that a storyline the TV series has so far avoided could finally find inclusion.

Catelyn Stark returns in the guise of Lady Stoneheart - a ruthless figure determined on bringing vengeance to the Lannisters and their allied houses. In the books, she's resurrected by Lord Beric Dondarrion, but there's no reason they can't hinge in a new character in the form of McShane to bring Catelyn back to life. Without giving any major storyline details away, she'd be an important character to resurrect for Brienne of Tarth's storyline. 

We'll say no more.

(Images: Rex)