Milly Alcock lived in attic and washed dishes before landing House of the Dragon starring role

New HBO series House of the Dragon has been described as 'brutal and harrowing', which sounds like exactly what you'd want from a Game of Thrones spin-off.

The show has a big task on its hands in convincing audiences there's more life in the Game of Thrones franchise beyond the original series, which ended controversially to say the least.

Luckily, House of the Dragon seems to have got off to a flying start with the first episode being the most watched series premiere in HBO's history, which suggests it's been able to convince vast swathes of Game of Thrones audiences to give it a chance.

Getting on board for such a show has got to be a life changing experience for the younger actors who are taking the first steps in their career, especially since many stars who made their name on Game of Thrones have gone on to do high profile movies and TV shows.

One House of the Dragon star who has already seen her life changed by being on the show is Milly Alcock, who plays Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, daughter of King Viserys I Targaryen (Paddy Considine) and one of the potential heirs to the Iron Throne.

In a recent interview she told Stellar magazine she was living in her mum's attic and washing dishes to make money before landing the part.

She said: "I never thought this would happen to me. I was washing dishes in a restaurant, living in my mum’s attic. This doesn’t happen to people like me, so it was incredibly quick."

Alcock was at a friend's house when she got the news that she'd been cast in House of the Dragon, and said the first thing she did was ask her friend if there was any wine going, the second thing she did was call her mum.

Social media reaction to Milly Alcock's performance in the first episode of House of the Dragon has been flush with praise.

Some fans have called her the 'best thing' about the show so far, while others have said she's 'already carrying House of the Dragon'.

Another said Alcock had 'already given an all-time performance as Rhaenyra Targaryen', with others said she had been 'amazing' and their 'favourite thing' about the Game of Thrones spin-off.

There was particular praise for the moments her character shared the screen with Matt Smith's Daemon Targaryen, brother of the King and Rhaenyra's rival for the Iron Throne.

Given how good the first episode was, we can't wait to see more House of the Dragon.

UK viewers can watch House of the Dragon on Sky Atlantic and NOW, while in the US the show is available on HBO and HBO Max.