The final episode of Poldark delivered – and then some. Here, we look at the highlights of series 2 and take a peek at what to expect in series 3…
Everyone was desperately unhappy and angry throughout a thrilling Poldark series finale. Ross was so upset he signed up to became a soldier again... Fighting the French was preferable to fighting Demelza!
A baying mob with pitchforks and torches attacked Trenwith, until heroic Ross stepped in, while Ross’s memorable fight with George Warleggan saw him shove the evil banker’s head into the lit fireplace.
There’s also the unresolved question of Elizabeth’s pregnancy – is Ross really the daddy? At least his mine seems to finally be paying dividends.
"The series built to a terrific climax for Ross, Demelza and Elizabeth, all reeling from a whirlwind of emotions," said Aidan Turner, who plays Ross. ‘They’ve been through the worst of times."
Of course there were plenty of shocks throughout series two – what with poor Francis drowning, Ross’s controversial passionate encounter with Elizabeth, and Demelza subsequently smacking him one in the face.
Here’s our preview of what to expect from series three of the hit BBC1 historical drama, which is currently being filmed.
Who's back...
Aidan Turner (Ross), Eleanor Tomlinson (Demelza), Heida Reed (Elizabeth), Jack Farthing (George Warleggan), Ruby Bentall (Verity), Gabriella Wilde (Caroline Penvenen), Luke Norris (Dr Dwight Enys), John Nettles (Ray Penvenen), Beatie Edney (Prudie) and Caroline Blakiston (Aunt Agatha).
However, Phil Davis isn’t expected to return as Ross’s servant Jud.
And there will be new faces...
Doctor Thorne star Harry Richardson and Tom York (Syfy's Olympus) join as Demelza's hunky brothers, Drake and Sam, while Ellise Chappell (New Blood) will play Elizabeth’s cousin Morwenna (below).
As well, Shameless star Sean Gilder will play reckless womaniser Tholly Tregirls, Josh Whitehouse is aristocrat Hugh Armitage, and Christian Brassington (Channel 5’s Suspects) plays sex-crazed vicar Osborne Whitworth (famously played by Christopher Biggins in the original 1970s series).
Series three developments…
The action moves to 1794 and Ross faces new family, new loves and new battles, as the French revolution casts a shadow over life in Cornwall.
"We’re thrilled to be kicking off series three with a fantastic array of new characters and a story which scales new heights of conflict, feuding, passion and drama," promises writer and executive producer Debbie Horsfield.
"Ross is older but not necessary wiser, and his recklessness sometimes costs him, and his loved ones, dear. We’re in for a roller-coaster ride where the stakes have never been higher."
And finally…
Poldark series three will consist of nine episodes and has been adapted from the fifth and sixth novels in Winston Graham’s Poldark series. It will screen on BBC1 next year, and we can’t wait…
