Game of Thrones seeks 600 extras, 86,000 hopefuls apply

HBO show has been in Spain filming House Martell scenes

Game of Thrones extras leave the bullring in Osuna (Getty)

Game of Thrones descended on the small town of Osuna in Spain this week, and locals turned out in droves in the hope of being part of a key battle scene being filmed on location.

Local production company Fresco Film put out a casting call for around 600 extras, but ended up having to add more server space after 86,000 people applied.

Many of the fans hoping to be a part of GoT history needed the money, but one applicant, according to Entertainment Weekly, took holiday from his high-level banking job to feature in the show.

When it first arrived in Spain, filming for the HBO show largely focused on the 15th century Alcazar palace in Seville, which serves as House Martell which was left reeling by the grisly death of Prince Oberyn in the last season.

Game of Thrones normally shoots in Northern Ireland and Croatia, both of which have enjoyed boosts in tourism, with the former even getting a visit from the Queen recently.

Spain is hoping it will feel similarly positive effects, with the US Ambassador to Spain James Costos telling EW: "It's been a great, uplifting moment for the country.

"There's tremendous excitement all over Spain, and it highlights the fact there are incredibly talented people here."

Game of Thrones season 5 has yet to be given a release date, but will arrive in 2015.