Season two of the hit Starz show “Spartacus: Blood and Sand” is currently shooting in New Zealand and is officially entitled “Spartacus: Vengeance.” Actress Viva Bianca returns to the series as the manipulative, and murderous, socialite Ilithyia, last seen fleeing the bloodbath at the House of Batiatus.

Bianca tells UGO:

It’s been fascinating approaching Ilithyia this second time around, because the woman we meet at the start of season two is quite different to the bright-eyed, giggly young noble woman we first met in season one.

Ilithyia has walked the dark side and now carries with her a suitcase of demons from from her very recent times at the Ludus. When once she was the character that knew nothing else but to have everything, now she has a lot to fight against and a lot to fight for.

If you recall, by the end of season one, Ilithyia had smashed fellow socialite Licinia’s head in a fit of rage, conjured up and successfully executed a vindictive plan that saw Spartacus kill his best friend in a frivolous exhibition match, and left Lucretia to die at the hands of revolting gladiators.

There is definitely more to this character than Bianca’s stunning good looks. I, for one, can’t wait to see what her fate will be now that she’s on her own and estranged from her husband Legatus Claudius Glaber.

“Spartacus: Vengeance” is slated to premiere on Starz in Jan. 2012.