Jack Donnelly (Jason), Mark Addy (Hercules) and Robert Emms (Pythagoras) have returned to Chepstow to begin filming for the highly anticipated second series of family fantasy drama Atlantis.

The ambitious 13-part series launched on BBC One last autumn with an opening episode that pulled in a Live +7 audience of 8.4 million viewers, making Atlantis the biggest new Saturday night drama series launch across all channels since Robin Hood in 2006.

Fans were rocked by the shocking reveal at the end of the first series that Paisphae, played by Sarah Parish, was in fact Jason’s mother. Parish, who also features in series two, is currently filming scenes that involve a dramatic shift of power in the kingdom. Pasiphae’s desire to reign has not abated and rivalry with step daughter Ariadne (Aiysha Hart) takes her to new depths. Jason’s personal involvement with Ariadne is surely a complication for Pasiphae, but will the knowledge that Jason is her flesh and blood weaken her resolve?

Also returning to the drama are Aiysha Hart (Ariadne) and Juliet Stevenson (The Oracle) as well new additions Vincent Regan as Dion and Amy Manson as Medea. Guest appearances are to be made by Robert Pugh (Game Of Thrones, The White Queen) and Peter de Jersey (Broadchurch, Holby City) in episode one.

Johnny Capps and Julian Murphy, Co-creators, said: “It’s wonderful to have everyone back in the studio together as we prepare to take Atlantis to new places in series two. We have some exciting new additions joining our exceptional cast and some surprises up our sleeve that we can’t wait to unleash on the Atlantis audience later this year.”

Bethan Jones, BBC Executive Producer, added: “It was a delight to see so many of the BBC One audience take Atlantis to its heart and we are thrilled to be returning with more adventures this year. The vision is as ambitious as ever and, building on the amazing sets in the Chepstow studios, the series will continue to deliver a visual treat for viewers along with a deeper insight to the characters that drive the drama.”