By Lucas Hill-Paul

Copyright glasgowlive

The latest instalment in a beloved historical drama series has finally secured a release date, over a decade since the previous chapter concluded.

After Spartacus: War of the Damned wrapped up in 2013, US broadcaster Starz has confirmed the upcoming entry, Spartacus: House of Ashur, is on its way.

Also broadcasting on MGM+ across the UK, Spain, Italy, Netherlands and Belgium, this fresh chapter promises to be “boldly outrageous” and packed with “intensity, passion and fierce rivalries”.

It launches with a double-episode premiere on Saturday, 6th December before proceeding on a weekly basis.

House of Ashur features a stellar ensemble cast, most notably Nick E Tarabay returning to his role as Ashur from earlier seasons, reports the Mirror.

The programme presents an alternative historical storyline and examines what might have unfolded if Ashur had survived and been welcomed by the Romans rather than meeting his end at the hands of Naevia (portrayed by Cynthia Addai-Robinson) in Spartacus: Vengeance.

Starz’s initial glimpse of the programme has provided viewers with a comprehensive look at the cast, hinting at abundant gore-filled combat, sizzling romance and captivating drama ahead.

Joining Tarabay is Outlander star Graham McTavish, who appears almost unrecognisable from his beloved character Dougal MacKenzie, now clad in gladiator gear and wearing lengthy locks.

A summary for the forthcoming sequel series states: “Spartacus: House of Ashur is a thrilling, erotic, history-bending, roller-coaster experience that builds on everything that made the original series a colossal hit.

“What if Ashur had lived, and the Romans rewarded his treachery with the gladiator school where he once bled? Welcome to the House of Ashur.

“No longer a slave, Ashur has clawed his way to power, owning the same ludus that once owned him.

“But ruling a band of merciless gladiators is child’s play compared to surviving the savage world of Roman politics – a cutthroat game in which betrayal isn’t a sin, it’s currency.

“He flips tradition on its head by unleashing Achillia, a fierce and powerful gladiatrix eager to prove herself worthy in a man’s world.

“Together, they ignite a new kind of spectacle that shocks, disrupts and offends the elite with every drop of blood.”

Joining Tarabay are franchise newcomers McTavish as Korris, Tenika Davis as Achillia and Jordi Webber as Tarchon.

The supporting cast features Jamaica Vaughan as Hilara, Ivana Baquero as Messia, Claudia Black as Cossutia, India Shaw-Smith as Viridia, Jackson Gallagher as Caesar, Jaime Slater as Cornelia, and Leigh Gill as Satyrus.

Spartacus creator Steven S DeKnight is making a comeback as showrunner and executive producer.

Rick Jacobson (Ash vs. Evil Dead, The Royal Treatment) and Aaron Helbing (The Flash, Mortal Kombat: Legacy) will also serve as executive producers.

Spartacus: House of Ashur premieres Saturday, 6th December on MGM+.