Game of Thrones: could The Hound be back? Actor Rory McCann has been spotted in Belfast where the season six filming is taking place

The last time Rory McCann's Game of Thrones character Sandor Clegane was seen on the show was in 2014, towards the end of season four; he'd been mortally wounded by BRienne of Trath (Gwendoline Christie), and left for dead by his one-time travelling companion, Arya Stark (Maisie Williams).

True, we never actually saw The Hound die - but his fate seemed pretty much settled. The fact that the character didn’t make an appearance in season five of the show, broadcast earlier this year, also suggested that he was probably gone for good.

Intriguingly, however, the Game of Thrones fan website Watchers on the Wall reports that the actor has since been spotted at a Belfast hotel frequented by the cast of the HBO series.

As shooting for season six of the show is currently taking place in the city, this suggests the character could be making a surprise return in season six.

Potential book spoilers below

In the story so far, as relayed in author George RR Martin’s original books, the Hound’s fate is left ambiguous. While he is widely reported as having died, a character who may or may not be Clegane is seen by Brienne in Martin’s 2005 book A Feast For Crows.
The show, however, has already diverged significantly from the original books, and the programme-makers may have their own plans in store for the character.
Season six of Game of Thrones will be broadcast in 2016, although the date has not yet been confirmed.