Ian Somerhalder, star of The Vampire Diaries, has sparked fan frenzy by posting a new trailer for season 7 which shows off his toned, taut body.

The handsome actor took to his Instagram account to give aficionados a sneak peek at the upcoming season, airing soon on ITV2.

Ian Somerhalder
Ian Somerhalder (Dan Steinberg/AP)

The short clip shows his character Damon Salvatore throwing a wet towel at his mate Alaric Saltzman, played by Matt Davis. “You know, clothes would be nice,” Alaric jokes as Damon stands there completely nude.

Many fans adore the bromance between the two characters, while some are hoping for it to develop romantically. The pair even have a portmanteau: ‘Dalaric’.

Little wonder Ian teased the trailer with the message: “Why is Damon naked in this new Vampire Diaries trailer?”

Responses have included: “OMG This Will Happen!” and “OMG I’m waiting for it Woot!”

The trailer also gives fans a glimpse of Damon waking up in a coffin.

The US supernatural series continues without Nina Dobrev, who starred as Elena Gilbert. “I always knew I wanted Elena’s story to be a six-season adventure, and within those six years I got the journey of a lifetime,” she said at the time of her departure.

Ian and Nina dated for three years until May 2013.