Netflix's spooky comic book sequel getting a touch of Alan Partridge magic

Fans of Alan Partridge will be thrilled to learn that his creator and actor, Steve Coogan, has joined the cast of one of Netflix's best TV series.

He'll voice Barnabas, the canine companion of The Prodigal in The Sandman – one of the Endless siblings (AKA Destruction) that has left his realm to wander the Earth. It's a role that Coogan should relish, as the dog is cynical and sharp in his observations.

Season 2 of The Sandman started in production last November with hope that'll it'll make its way onto the streaming service later this year. As with season 1, and the comic books on which it is based, some episodes are expected to feature standalone stories, although there will again be a running plot thread as we find out more about Dream's extended family.

As well as the returning cast, including Tom Sturridge in the lead role, Game of Thrones' Gwendoline Christie as Lucifer, and Jenna Coleman (Doctor Who) returning as Johanna Constantine, a number of other recognisable faces will be making their debuts.

Among them will be Slow Horses' Freddie Fox, who will play Loki. Clive Russell will be Odin – the second time he'll star in a Neil Gaiman adaptation after Neverwhere. And we'll also get to see Adrian Lester (Renegade Nell) as Destiny, another of the Endless.

The first season of The Sandman is available on Netflix now and is a must-watch. Its critics score of 88% on Rotten Tomatoes is perhaps too low considering how gripping and faithful to the comics it remains (on the most part, anyway). Gaiman himself is involved in the production and scripting, which is a stamp of approval in my book.

There are 11 episodes to catch up on, lasting between 37 minutes to an hour apiece, so that's plenty to binge as you prepare for the second coming.

We'll bring you all the news on The Sandman season 2's release date when it's been revealed. It shouldn't take too long to reach the best streaming devices, anyway.