Poldark's Leading Ladies Revealed

Eleanor Tomlinson in The White Queen

After the rumours of the past few days we now have confirmation that Demelza will, indeed, be played by Eleanor Tomlinson. Eleanor has recently been seen on TV playing Georgiana Darcy in Death Comes to Pemberley and Isabel Neville in The White Queen.
Eleanor told the Mail on Sunday, ‘I will do my utmost to do justice to the spirit of Demelza. She’s such an iconic character, who was so brilliantly played by Angharad, and I will do my very best to try not to disappoint the army of Poldark fans out there.

‘I am conscious of the fact that the original series had a huge following and was tremendously popular.’ 

Executive Producer Damien Timmer said, ‘Demelza is the heart of the story and it is a real coup that she will be played by Eleanor.

‘Angharad Rees made a big impact in that role and people really loved her. But we have gone back to the source material and we believe a new audience will fall in love with Eleanor.'

Ruby Bentall in the Paradise

Two other cast members have also been announced. Ruby Bentall will play Poldark’s cousin Verity. Ruby played Pauline in The Paradise and has also recently appeared in Blandings which, like Poldark, is produced by Mammoth Screen. The  Icelandic actress Heida Reed will play Elizabeth, Poldark's fiancee. Heida is perhaps less well known although she did appear recently in Silent Witness. In the BBC Media Centre press release Heida said, "I am extremely flattered and excited to be part of such a wonderful new BBC period drama. Elizabeth is such an intelligent and elegant character and a dream role." 

Damien Timmer said, ‘We looked at many actresses but Ruby and Heida stood apart. Heida plays Elizabeth, who left Poldark for his cousin. It’s a complex, difficult role and there is something incredibly likeable and sympathetic about her.

‘Ruby is a true star in the making with a big future and we are very lucky to have such a talented cast.’

Heada Reed