George Blagden was "surprised" to learn he was being axed from ‘Vikings’.
The 25-year-old actor – who starred as Athelstan in the popular historical drama series – has revealed the "dramatic" circumstances that led to his departure in the third season of the show.
Speaking exclusively to BANG Showbiz, George shared: "It did come as a surprise. People talk a lot about the deaths in television shows and how they happen … I mean, just because we’re actors, it doesn’t mean we make them dramatic. They are actually quite dramatic events.
"You get this sort of letter in the post. I guess it would be kind of like being fired from a job, but in a letter that says you’re going to get an axe to the face.
"I got an email from the writer just before we went into production for season three, explaining his reasons why he felt Athelstan had to go and why for the whole trajectory of the plot through season three it made sense."
George also confessed the timing of his axing proved to be slightly unnerving.
The British actor said: "I suppose when you’re gearing up to get into production for another season, to learn you’re going to meet your demise, it’s not what most people want to hear."
‘Vikings: The Complete Third Season’ is out on Blu-ray and DVD now.
George Blagden’s Vikings exit came as a ‘surprise’
