Ross Poldark has got his best clobber on as he heads to Westminster in the new series...
Poldark 2018 is just around the corner! The fourth series of the hit period drama arrives on BBC1 this summer, with Aidan Turner back as brooding hero, Ross Poldark.
The eight-part series, beginning in 1796, sees more turmoil in store for Ross... here’s six things we know about the new series…
1. All our fan favourites are back including poor Morwenna!
Aidan and Eleanor Tomlinson are, of course, reprising their roles as our swashbuckling hero Ross Poldark and his fiery wife Demelza. Heida Reed and Jack Farthing return as power-hungry Elizabeth and George Warleggan, along with Luke Norris and Gabriella Wilde as Dwight and Caroline Enys. Also back are Ellise Chappell (Morwenna) and Christian Brassington (Reverend Osborne Whitworth), Harry Richardson (Drake), Tom York (Sam), Beatie Edney (Prudie) and Josh Whitehouse (Lieutenant Hugh Armitage).
2. Ross goes to Westminster!
The new series finds Ross entering the world of politics to protect his beloved Cornwall from nemesis and local MP George Warleggan. “I hope the politics is engaging,” says the show’s writer, Debbie Horsfield. “It is about the impact on the characters rather than the theory.”
3. Ross gets a new enemy!
Ross’s political adventures see him spending time in London where he mixes with the upper echelons of society, including the unscrupulous Monk Adderley (Max Bennett), who quickly turns into Ross’s new number one enemy! Yes, he’s rumoured to be even worse than George!
4. Demelza struggles with life in London
Demelza, last seen cheating on Ross with Hugh Armitage, finds adjusting to life in London tricky. “The world of London is fresh territory for us and gives a whole new flavour,” reveals Debbie. “You still have the Cornish world we’re used to but also the high society of London. It’s about how our characters fit in with that. It’s a bit of a culture shock for Demelza!”
5. Rebecca Front joins the show
Creepy vicar Ossie Whitworth is set to cause more misery for wife Morwenna, but this series also sees the arrival of Rebecca Front as his stern mother, Lady Whitworth. "Rebecca Front is fantastic," enthuses Debbie. "Poor thing, having a son like Ossie!"
6. There will be another series in 2019!
Before the new run has even aired, the drama has already been renewed for a fifth series, which promises more trauma for the Poldarks. Eleanor Tomlinson has revealed that she’s delighted. “I’m looking forward to some more cliff-staring,” she laughs. It’s so exciting.”
Poldark 2018 will start on BBC1 this summer.
