Vikings: Georgia Hirst reveals why the cast were left SHOCKED at a major final season death

The epic medieval show Vikings recently came to a close, after six gory seasons and 89 drama-filled episodes.

And while audiences saw numerous bloodthirsty deaths over the course of the show, Georgia Hirst – who played iconic shield-maiden Torvi – has revealed the cast were just as shocked as viewers when Björn Ironside was killed off in the final season. 

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, Georgia revealed that since filming wrapped up in 2018, most of the cast didn’t get to see Alexander Ludwig’s character be slain until years later – unless they were in the scene at the time. 

‘It felt like we were all on separate shows,’ she said. ‘I didn’t do any scenes with Alexander. 

‘So while we knew it was in the script, none of us saw it until it came online. It was a big shock, but it was more shocking for us to see it on-screen.’

Björn was presumed dead after facing off with his half-brother, Ivar the Boneless, in the mid-season finale – but he lived to fight another day, leading his army on to the battlefield before taking his final breath after being shot by three arrows. 

But Georgia believes it’s exactly the course of action which should have taken place for his character, adding: ‘I feel like it was a pretty epic ending for him; Aleksander was ready to go, I think. 

‘He was on the show from the beginning, and I feel like he felt that it was a natural end. As actors, we have to accept our fate.’

Björn was the eldest son of Scandi-warrior Ragnar Lothbrok, who was played by Australian actor Travis Fimmel. His character endured a painful death in season four, much to the horror of fans who doubted the show would be the same without him.

‘When Ragnar was written to die, we all knew as a cast that it would rock everything,’ Georgia added. ‘But we all felt so safe, because we knew that Ragnar was going to have four sons, and they were all such good actors.’  

And if anything, Georgia says it made the cast ‘work harder’ to achieve such an epic final two seasons – including the incredible finale, which only recently aired. 

‘I personally think it got better,’ she added. ‘Not because of losing him, but because we had to keep the fans gripped and I think we did just that.’

Georgia, whose father Michael Hirst is the show creator, writer and executive producer, also teased the upcoming spin-off season Vikings: Valhalla, which is set to come out in 2021.

And while she’s asked her famous father for a part, it doesn’t look like Georgia will be starring – perhaps due to it being set over 100 years after Vikings takes place.  

‘I’ve heard many things…’ the model laughed. ‘I wish I was in it, but I literally don’t know much about it.

‘I did try e-mailing my dad like “any chance?” – but it didn’t work out for me! But if it goes to plan and goes ahead, I certainly will be watching.’ 

The final season of Vikings will is now available on SBS and SBS On Demand