Gwendoline Christie on Brienne of Tarth

Gwendoline Christie’s tough-as-nails Game of Thrones character, Brienne of Tarth, is not in “such a good place” this season, she has previewed.

The statuesque 6ft 3in star’s warrior character may well hold her own against her male counterparts, but as Gwendoline reveals, she’s much softer than anyone gives her credit for.

Having lost Arya Stark, played by Maisie Williams, in the season four finale, the actress says Brienne’s feeling more than a little guilty when season five picks back up on April 12.

"You know that Brienne is blaming herself, because that's the kind of woman she is," the 36-year-old told Access Hollywood.

"She takes it on the chin, she takes full responsibility and… I'm not so sure that Brienne's in such a good place at the start of season five. I'm not sure that she's entirely happy with what's gone on.”

While the British beauty remains tight-lipped about just what is in store for her character this season, she has revealed what she loves most about Brienne.

Among her favourite attributes she cites her strength of character, determination and, above all else, getting to experience her continuing psychological exploration.

"What I love about this character is that every year we see the exploration of a woman – psychological exploration as she develops and changes and comes up against new challenges that can be physical, that can be emotional, that can be intellectual,” she smiled. “She has to develop different sides of herself, she has to begin to develop some wiliness and her overriding sense of honour to the oath she has pledged takes her everywhere. And that woman never gives up!"