Michael C Hall is to reprise his role as the titular serial killer in a new 10-episode revival of Dexter, US network Showtime has revealed.

The twisty drama ran for eight seasons and almost 100 episodes between 2006 and 2013, culminating with a plot that saw Dexter withdraw his sister's life support and then apparently die himself, only for it to be revealed that he was working as a lumberjack in Oregon.

The revival is being overseen by Clyde Phillips, one of the original executive producers on the show who went on to work on the acclaimed comedy-drama Nurse Jackie.

"Dexter is such a special series, both for its millions of fans and for Showtime, as this breakthrough show helped put our network on the map many years ago," said Gary Levine, entertainment president at Showtime.

"We would only revisit this unique character if we could find a creative take that was truly worthy of the brilliant, original series.

"Well, I am happy to report that Clyde Phillips and Michael C Hall have found it, and we can't wait to shoot it and show it to the world!"

Production on the new series is expected to begin early 2021 for broadcast later in the year.