Game of Thrones season 5: Release dates for US and UK finally announced

The HBO fantasy drama will return to HBO and Sky Atlantic in April

Game of Thrones is the most pirated TV show of all time (HBO)

We knew it was set for a big return this spring but now, Game of Thrones season five has been given its first episode air date.

US fans should make space in the diary on Sunday 12 April, when the fantasy drama makes its HBO comeback.

For those of us here in the UK, Sky Atlantic will continue its past trend and screen the show one day later, so keep Monday 13 April free.

The news was shared by Game of Thrones’ official Twitter feed, along with a caption reading “Send a raven and spread the word”.

Elsewhere, a new Game of Thrones exhibition is heading to London, Stockholm, Tel Aviv, Madrid, Berlin, Amsterdam and Paris in February, with more locations to be added according to demand.

The event will feature some 70 original artefacts from the set, as well as dropping a few hints on what is to come in season five.

Later this month, the TV series will be the first to reach IMAX cinemas when two season four episodes are shown ahead of a series five trailer from 23 to 29 January.

Game of Thrones was the most pirated show of 2014 – a title it has “won” for the third consecutive year.

93 days to go until the long wait is over…and you've got that one-off preview special next month to look forward to as well.