A Merry Christmas from Poldark!

With Christmas just around the corner, the cast and crew of Poldark are getting ready for their two-week break from filming. Beatie Edney (Prudie) and Eleanor Tomlinson (Demelza) have posted some super pics of themselves and Aidan Turner (Ross) to welcome in the holiday.

From Eleanor's IG: Merry Christmas from us xxx

From Beatie's IG: #ChooseLove

From Beatie's IG

A very Merry Christmas to you all!

Ross Poldark's Journey in Poldark S4

Aidan Turner (Ross), Debbie Horsfield (writer) and more reflect on the evolution of Ross Poldark in Season 4. Via Masterpiece PBS.

Poldark Cast say Goodbye to Heida Reed

Poldark's cast and crew say farewell to Heida Reed who plays Elizabeth. Via Masterpiece PBS

Locations in Poldark S4 from Cornwall to London

Poldark's cast and crew take us behind the scenes to explore the different locations in Poldark series four from Cornwall to London via Masterpiece PBS.

Behind the Scenes of the New Styles in 'Poldark' Series 4

Hair and makeup designer Pippa Woods talks about the new costumes and looks in Poldark series four via Masterpiece PBS

The Official Poldark Calendar 2019 is Out Now!

The Official Poldark Calendar is out and what a delight it is!

It has lovely photos of our favourite characters on quality glossy paper. As well as several pictures of Ross and Demelza, a fashionably elegant Caroline and Dwight bring cheer to April  and Drake and Morwenna grace March and November. The baddies we love to hate are here too, with Monk Adderley for July and Ossie Whitworth, September. There's even a glorious centrefold of Ross and Seamus!

The calendar measures 305mm by 305mm and is available from Danilo NOW price £9.99 with free UK delivery.

And if that wasn't exciting enough, we've two calendars to be won in our Official Poldark Calendar Giveaway! Keep an eye on our Facebook and Twitter pages for details (sorry, UK only).

On the Street Where Ross Lives

There I was last summer, watching  Poldark  and totally absorbed in series four, when suddenly I was brought back to reality by the sight of Ross (Aidan Turner) leaving his London home. Surely his lodgings were in what, back in 2009, we fans of Being Human called 'Becca's Alley'?

Now I know many of you have watched Being Human but, in case you haven't, 'Becca's Alley' is the location of a very important scene in the first episode of the show, where Mitchell (Aidan Turner) has to decide whether to save Becca's life. And now here was Ross Poldark striding out of his house right opposite the very spot where Becca had lain!

I was so convinced it was the same place that, on a recent trip to Bristol, I went to check it out. The passage itself is a private alley just by St. Nicholas Market and there, unmistakably, was Ross Poldark's house, just a pace away from where Becca had 'died'.

I wonder what went through Aidan's mind when he found out where Ross was living?

Site of Ross's lodgings on the left and Becca's death scene on the right.
Photo: Bristol Film Office

Jessica Harris, Aidan Turner and Russell Tovey in 'Becca's Alley'  Being Human S1 Episode 1

Aidan Turner and Russell Tovey in Being Human S1 Episode 1

Related Links:
Looking for Ross Poldark's London Home

Filming Begins on 'Poldark' Series Five

Filming began on the fifth and final series of Poldark this week and Official Poldark posted this adorable picture of the Poldarks and Prudie to celebrate. That this is the final series will come as no surprise to long-term readers of Poldarked as back in 2014 we posted that Aidan Turner (Ross) had given a five year commitment to the drama - it's just that none of us expected it to go so fast! And poor Prudie is still in the same costume!

Writer Debbie Horsfield ended months of speculation about series five by announcing it would fill in the ten year gap between the novels The Angry Tide (on which series 4 is based) and The Stranger from the Sea. She says: "In The Stranger from the Sea Winston Graham made many references to developments that happened in the 'gap' years. Much can also be inferred. There are, of course, also historical events and people of the time, both in Cornwall and in London. Series five will draw on all of these to follow the lives of the Poldarks, George Warleggan, the Enyses, and the Carnes in this intervening period.”

It seems the series will be eight epsiodes long as Eleanor Tomlinson posted a picture of the scripts marked one to eight on instagram.

Series five welcomes two new directors: Sallie Aprahamian and Justin Molotnikov. Sallie, who is directing the first episode, also has the honour of directing the finale. Her recent credits include two episodes of the latest Dr Who which will air in October. You can follow her on Twitter @SallieAp.  Justin Molotnikov has also directed episodes of Dr Who (2015). Other credits include Lucky Man, Merlin and Atlantis.

Returning are cast members Aidan Turner (Ross) and Eleanor Tomlinson (Demelza) along with Jack Farthing (George Warleggan), Luke Norris (Dr Dwight Enys), Gabriella Wilde (Caroline Enys), Ellise Chappell (Morwenna Carne), Harry Richardson (Drake Carne), Tom York (Sam Carne), and Beatie Edney (Prudie).

The new cast members announced so far are:

Lily Dodsworth Evans: Lily's credits include White Colour Black which was in the Official Selection of the BFI London Film Festival 2016.  Here she is in a Green and Black's Chocolate advert from last year  https://youtu.be/VV06pVdviRU

You can follow her on Twitter   @Lil_DodsEvans  and on Instagram @lily_dodsevans/

Kerri McLean: Kerri is currently appearing as a surveillance officer in the hugely popular Bodyguard on BBC One. Previous credits include Unforgotten and Rellick. She is also a director and producer.

Follow Kerri on Twitter @kerri_mclean

Sofia Oxenham: Sofia will play Tess in Poldark. She has previously appeared in Grantchester.

You can follow her on Twitter @fiaoxenham and Instagram @foxenham 

Vincent Regan: Vincent's credits include The White Princess, Strike Back, The Royals and From Here to There. Like Eleanor Tomlinson, he hails from Beverley in Yorkshire and Eleanor is said to be 'delighted' at the prospect of Vincent joining the cast.

Vincent is on Twitter @vincentregan

Peter Sullivan: Recent credits of Peter's include Marcella, Strike and Entebbe

Follow him on Twitter @PeterTSullivan

Freddie Wise: Freddie graduated from the Drama Centre in 2017. He has appeared in Walt Disney Pictures Maleficent 2.

Give him a follow on instagram at @freddiewise1.

US Preview Screenings of Episode 1 of 'Poldark' S4

Poldark series four premieres in the US on Sunday 30 September but some lucky fans can get to see the first episode days earlier at one of the preview screenings held by PBS stations. Here are some of them. Follow the links to register.

East Tennessee PBS is holding a free screening at Paramount Bristol, Bristol on Thursday 27 September at 7 pm (doors open at 6 pm).

KUED's free screening is on on Wednesday 12 September, 7 -9 pm at The Broadway Cinema, Salt Lake City, with competitions and a chance for pics with cutouts of Ross and Demelza.  RSVP by 10 September.

Nashville Public TV guests can pose for a photo with a life-size cutout of Ross at their preview on Thursday 13 September, 6 pm. There's also free admission to the Frist Art Museum.

Rhode Island PBS Studios, Providence,  has a free screening on Thursday 13 September at 6.30 pm, with refreshments and a special Poldark raffle.

WTCI-PBS has a free screening on Thursday 13 September 6 - 7.30 pm at The Palace Theater, Chattanooga.

ADDITIONS:

Basin PBS has a free screening on Thursday 13 Sept. at 5.30 pm at the Midland Centennial Library, Midland

PBS Charlotte is holding a free screening with tea, scones and some Poldark trivia at Commonwealth Avenue, Charlotte on Monday 24 September at 10.00 am

East Tennessee PBS is holding a screening at Pollard Technology Conference Centre, Oak Ridge on Monday 24 September, 2.00 pm

Georgia Public Broadcasting's free preview is at Georgia PB, Atlanta on Sunday 23 Sept. at 4.00 pm

LakelandPBS have two free screenings: one at Bemidji on 20 Sept.  and one on 21 Sept. at Brainerd. Both start at 10.00 am.  RSVP 218-333-3018  or  kmckinstra@lptv.org

LPB has a Poldark, Popcorn and Punch evening on Thursday 20 Sept. at 6.00 pm. The event at The Oaks of Louisiana, Shreveport is free.

Montana PBS's free screening is on Tuesday 25 Sept at 6.30 pm in Bozeman

WHRO is holding a free preview screening on Thur 13 September at 6.30 for 7.00 pm at WHRO TV Norfolk

WIPB-TV's free screening is on Wednesday 19 September, 7pm at Legacy Commons Event Hall,
Muncie.

WVPT/WHTJ PBS has a free preview on Friday 21 September 8 pm at the Paramount Theater, Charlottesville.



WHYY are holding a Poldark Premiere Party on Cruiser Olympia at the Independence Seaport Museum, Philadelphia. The party, which includes a preview screening, costs $50. Tickets for the screening only cost $15.  The party is on Wed 26 September at 6.00 pm

'Poldark' S4 Preview in Nashville

Nashville Public Television are showing the first episode of the new series of  Poldark at a free screening in Nashville.

The series four preview will be at the Frist Art Museum, Nashville on Thursday 13 September at 6pm.

The event is free but registration is required. You can sign up here.

Poldark returns to PBS Masterpiece on Sunday 30 September.

Related links:
Poldark S4 Preview Screening in Chattanooga
Poldark S4 Preview Screening in Utah

Poldark S4 Preview Screening in Chattanooga

WTCI-PBS are showing the first episode of Poldark series four at a free screening in Chattanooga, TN, USA.

The preview is on Thursday 13 September, 6.00 to 7.30 pm EDT at The Palace Theater, Georgia Avenue.
Follow the link to register for the screening.

Poldark series four premieres in the US on PBS Masterpiece on 30 September, 2018.

Related Links:
Poldark S4 Preview Screening in Utah

Viewing Figures for 'Poldark' S4

The finale of Poldark series four was certainly a dramatic one and one that kept us glued to our TVs! 4.4 million watched it on the night (it won the 9pm slot), with a further million of us catching up during the week, according to Barb's seven day consolidated figures which do not include BBC iplayer. At 5.4 million it was BBC One's third most popular programme for the week 23-29 July, after Eastenders (5.8m) and Antiques Roadshow (5.7m).

Barb's seven day consolidated figures show the premiere of Poldark series four garnered an audience of six million and was BBC One's top show that week. Episode two was the most popular episode of the series (6.1m) and episode four the least watched (4.9m). On average, 5.6m people watched each episode, compared to 6.1m for series three and 7.6m for series one.  BBC iplayer figures will probably be available in the Autumn.

To give some context to the months of June and July in the UK,  the football World Cup took place during the weeks Poldark episodes two to six aired (though games were generally not being played when the show was on TV). The UK also experienced a heatwave during this period.

Poldark in Australia
Poldark series four aired in Australia just six days after the UK on ABC. Previous series had been shown on a Sunday evening but, for series four, the show was moved to Saturdays at 8.15 pm. Episode 8 proved the most popular with 409K watching it that day in the five city metro area and episode 7 the least with 332K, it's smallest audience ever.
Many thanks to  @veras67 on Twitter for her regular help with information from Australia.

Related links:
'Poldark' Tops the Tables
Poldark's Weekly Viewing Figures

Poldark S4 Preview Screening in Utah

KUED are screening the first episode of Poldark Series 4 in Salt Lake City. The screening will be at The Broadway Cinema on 12 September, 7-9 pm. There will also be competitions and a chance to have you pic taken with Ross and Demelza cutouts.   Seating is limited so RSVP tp jrasekhi@kued.org by Monday 10 September if you'd like to book a place.

Click here for more information.

Poldark Series 4 Episode 8 Clip

Ross is concerned for Elizabeth's health after giving birth.

Poldark series 4 Episode 8 Clip

"I would prefer the baby to be born in November" Using a false name, Elizabeth explains to the doctor how she would prefer the birth to be earlier than expected. The doctor agrees to mix a potion but warns of complications.

Poldark Series 4 Episodes 6 and 7 Clips

Poldark S4 Episode 5 Preview

Here's a preview of tonight's episode with Caroline (Gabriella Wilde), Monk Adderley (Max Bennett) and Ross (Aidan Turner). Thanks to @rothers7499 on Twitter for the heads up.

Aidan Turner in The Lieutenant of Inishmore

Aidan Turner as Padraic.  Photo: Johan Persson

I have long considered Aidan Turner to be a fine comic actor even though, in recent times, he has seldom had the chance to show off this skill. I am also a great admirer of the playwright Martin McDonagh, so you can imagine how thrilled I was when last November Michael Grandage Company announced Aidan had been cast in The Lieutenant of Inishmore.

Fast forward a few months and I'm here at the first preview of the play. The venue is pretty much sold out and I'm grateful for the air conditioning in this little Rococo theatre as I wait for the curtain to go up. I have some anxieties: people walked out of the show when it was first performed 17 years ago. But time has been kind to this play and the situation in Ireland has changed over the years. Now, for all the gore and violence, it is the comedy that comes to the fore. And, boy, is this play funny! Brutal but funny! The laughs come thick and fast throughout with just the occasional moment given for the audience to feel shocked by what they've witnessed before being bombarded by funny lines and ridiculous situations again. One of the things I like about McDonagh's plays is how economical they are. Nothing is mentioned that doesn't have some relevance at a later point and this really draws the audience in.

Aidan plays Mad Padraic, a terrorist deemed too violent for the IRA, whose only friend in the world is his cat, Wee Thomas. When Wee Thomas is knocked over on a lonely road, Padraic is determined to find out who is to blame.

Aidan Turner and Charlie Murphy
Photo: Johan Persson

While Aidan is clearly the star of the show, it is very much an ensemble piece and he's not being unduly modest when he says it feels strange to be the play's poster boy, "If I had my way we'd all be on the poster," he says, "I'm the title character but line for line, I don't know if I have the most dialogue. It's an ensemble." Certainly other characters have more time on stage than Padraic and all the cast deserve praise, particularly Chris Walley who plays Davey.

Much as the play relies on a strong cast to carry it off, Aidan clearly brings something special to the table. As soon as he walks on stage, I can see how at home he is. He fills the stage. Even when he's sitting quietly in the corner stroking his cat while the action goes on elsewhere, I find myself stealing the odd glance at him.

We see many sides of Padraic: now matter-of-fact, now murderous, now broken-hearted, now Wee Thomas's 'Daddy', now singing, now sexy, now angry, now very angry! And always mad!  As a very physical actor this role is ideal for Aidan as there is so much visual comedy: his facial expressions say as much as his words. His voice goes from business-like when he's torturing someone to quivering when he learns his puss-cat is ill. And he's good. He has terrific comic timing which is so essential in this fast paced play. Anyone who has him down as just a handsome man with a great chest must surely be having a rethink.

Aidan is clearly in his element on stage and this shines through his whole performance. This is a man having fun. Almost too much fun it turns out for at one point, during an execution scene, he begins to smile, then grin. Is he going to corpse? The audience starts giggling, part willing him to laugh, part wanting him to pull it back. And recover he does. After a few seconds he gets back into role and carries on with the scene, but he's given the audience a wonderful, shared moment that is oh-so-special.

Apart from that, the preview seems to go without a hitch, although my heart is in my mouth every time Padraic draws his guns from their holsters. Are they going to get stuck? It's surely an incident waiting to happen!

"Will it never end?" wails Davey (Chris Walley) as the situation in the show spirals out of control and I realise that this all-too-short play is nearing it's finale. I'm just not ready for it to finish but finish it does, to be met by a well-deserved standing ovation from the audience. Aidan looks over-the-moon at the reaction as he takes a bow, pleased and proud to be part of a terrific production.

With happy chatter all around me I make my way to the stage door in the hope that Aidan will come out to see the crowd.  After about twenty minutes he appears to the cheers of fans. He works his way along the barrier signing programmes, tickets and the play leaflets. (There is a notice up saying the cast will only sign show related material. The programmes are £4 each.) Aidan seems happy and, although signing at speed, constantly thanks people for their kind words. It seems to me that, this first night, everyone gets their programmes signed. When I go a week later to the matinee, Aidan comes out after about ten minutes and this time I'm aware that several people do not get autographs. I guess there's a lot of luck involved.

I can't recommend The Lieutenant of Inishmore enough. It is funny and witty and one of the best plays on in London right now. It also has to be an excellent career move for Aidan.

The Lieutenant of Inishmore is at the Noel Coward theatre until 8 September.  Tickets are available from Delfont Mackintosh with £10 front row seats available on the day. Catch it if you can!

Related link:
Aidan Turner on Stage

'The Unofficial Poldark Cookbook' Giveaway!

Learn to cook and eat like a miner, a ruthless banker, a scullery maid or an heiress and recreate the spirit of Poldark in your own kitchen with The Unofficial Poldark Cookbook. 

Featuring 85 authentic recipes from Georgian England that have been modernised for the contemporary palate, The Unofficial Poldark Cookbook also includes the history behind Poldark, references to its characters and events, and tips on how to recreate meals from eighteenth-century Cornwall in the modern day.  Divided into manor or boardinghouse there are dishes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert.

Written by hostess and sous chef  Tricia Cohen (A Thyme and Place and A Thyme to Discover) and chef and food writer Larry Edwards (Edwardian Cooking, Style and Spice, and The American Table) the hardback book is available  from The Book Depository priced £15.99 with free worldwide delivery. and other online sites but, thanks to  Skyhorse Publishing, we have one copy to giveway!

For your chance to win simply like this post on facebook or tweet @Poldarked using the hashtag #poldarkcookbook.  Competition closes Tuesday 10 July, 2018 at 8 a.m. BST.

Good luck!

Poldark S4 Episode 4 Clips

Hre are a couple of clips from the episode of Poldark coming this Sunday, BBC One , 9pm.



Sarah...will not live






Folks can think what they like




The clips can also be viewed on the BBC Poldark site

Poldark's Weekly Viewing Figures

The second episode of the new series of Poldark  built on the strong start made by the premiere with the seven day consolidated figures showing an additional 111,000 viewers. 6.1million watched this second episode according to Barb,  the same number as watched the finale of Poldark series three.
World Cup football pushed  Poldark from the top of the BBC One programme leader board last week to fifth place this, but it was still the top non World Cup show.

Related Links:
'Poldark' Tops the Tables

Poldark: The Tweetest Thing

Last night's episode of Poldark (episode 4) saw 1.9K Tweets posted in total, generating 731.6K impressions reports Kantar Media.

There was a flurry of activity ten minutes into the episode when the appearance of Geoffrey Charles (Louis Davison) baffled many viewers, but  #AidanTurner was still the most popular character/actor with 2.6% of Tweets mentioning him.

Related Links:
Tweet Poldark Tweet

'Poldark' S4 Ep 3 Preview Clips

Here are two clips from episode three of Poldark series four.

Dwight and Caroline: 'I hope she won't be a spoiled brat'




Ossie and Morwenna 'What an odious journey'




Both clips can be viewed on the BBC Poldark website

Dwight and Caroline

Ossie and Morwenna

'Poldark' Tops the Tables

Congratulations Poldark! The first episode of the new series was the top BBC One show in the week ending 10 June, 2018.

The seven day consolidated figures from Barb, which do not include BBC iplayer, show almost six million people watched the premiere of Poldark series four, beating Eastenders into second and third place with 5.9 and 5.8 m, but not reaching the 6.7m of the series three premiere a year ago.

Things are looking good for next week too, with the second episode of Poldark being watched by 4.95m according to overnight's TV, up on the 4.7m of the previous week.

Go Poldark!

Poldark S4 E2 : Ross Bathes After a Fight

 Here's another clip from Poldark S4 E2: Ross Bathes After a Fight. 

 You can also watch it on the BBC One site

'Poldark' S4 Episode 2 Clip

Check out this new clip from Poldark Series 4 Episode 2 in which Caroline and Dwight tell Ross and Demelza their happy news.

The clip can also be viewed on BBC Poldark site

Tweet Poldark Tweet

Haven't we been busy?
The first episode of Poldark series four was the third most engaged-with programme on Twitter on Sunday according to Kantar Media.  It received 4.3 thousand posts during the day giving 1.5 million impressions.  Love Island came top with 60.2K tweets and 26 M impressions.

Kantar Media say:

Happy Tweeting!

Poldark S4 DVD Available for Pre-order

Add caption

The DVD of latest series of Poldark is now available for pre-order on Amazon.

The Region 2 DVD (may not be viewable outside Europe) costs £24.99 and will be released on 30 July, 2018. The  Blu-ray version price £27.99 is due for release on 6 August.

The description says:  1796: To defend Cornwall and those he loves from an empowered George, Ross must learn to play the political game on a journey that takes him to the nation's capital. While Demelza manages the Poldark’s affairs at home, Elizabeth moves to further secure her marriage but Drake struggles in resigning Morwenna to life with Osborne, and the Enyses are tested as never before.

And if you haven't got the past DVDs the box set of series one to four is also available for pre-order price £49.99.  The Blu-ray costs £59.99.

Here are the links:
Poldark Series 4 DVD
Poldark Series 4 Blu-ray
Poldark Series 1-4 DVD
Poldark Series 1-4 Blu-ray

Poldark S4 to Air in US in September!

Poldark returns to Masterpiece PBS on 30 September!  Masterpiece announced the fourth series in this tweet:

“I must sell my soul and become a politician…”#PoldarkPBS, Season 4 premieres September 30 at 9/8c on MASTERPIECE on @PBS! pic.twitter.com/wZ0cKHaD7R

— Masterpiece PBS (@masterpiecepbs) 31 May 2018

Poldark S4 Episode Clip

Ross Poldark  (Aidan Turner) comes to arrest  rioters in this clip from Poldark series 4 episode 1.
A synopsis of this first episode is available in our Episode Guide.

Clip thanks to BBC One

Snippets from the BFI Q&A for 'Poldark' Series Four

Debbie Horsfield, Aidan Turner and Karen Thrussell
Photo: Evie Bowman for Poldarked

Writer Debbie Horsfield, executive producer Karen Thrussell and Ross Poldark himself, Aidan Turner, made up the panel for the Poldark series four Q&A at the BFI last month. Here are some snippets from the evening:

• Asked his favourite line from all the series of Poldark Aidan squirmed, "I'm sitting beside the writer! That's so unfair!" But once the laughter had died down he said, "I just want to get the line right. There is a line when Ross and George are on the beach and they're looking out to sea and he says, 'Belief is a beautiful thing.' I do love that line," and we all clapped in agreement.

• Aidan feels Ross regrets his night with Elizabeth more than he regrets saving Hugh Armitage. He said, "If he'd known what was going to happen, I like to believe Ross still would have saved Hugh Armitage. It's hard to talk his way out of the other one though. It nearly ruined his marriage and it upset a lot of people so I think that's a huge life regret. I think it's incredible that they're still friends, Ross and Elizabeth. They've come back around which is great. It wasn't one of his finest moments though."

• Aidan and Eleanor sometimes race the horses across the beach after filming. He's very competitive but says Eleanor wins,"...all the time. She has a better horse, a faster horse. No. She is, actually, a very experienced rider. And she has the handicap of riding sidesaddle. It's really difficult to gallop a horse riding sidesaddle and she overtakes all the time. Seamus isn't happy about this either!"

• Does Aidan mind that we enjoy his shirtless scenes so much? "No I don't at all!" he said, then quipped, "Go for it!" to much laughter.

• The fifth series of Poldark was officially announced at the Q&A. Debbie said they are in discussions about how far they take the story in Series 5 but, obviously, they are not going to be able to fit five books into one series.

• Demelza doesn't have any new songs on series four.  Are we going to hear Ross sing? "Noooo. I'm not going to do that," laughs Aidan. "There was a carol in series four," Debbie reminds him, to which he asks, "Was there? Was it okay?"

• On Garrick Aidan said, "I do love him y'know. It's just that, it's something I shouldn't say here because people think I dislike this furry, little animal and he's gorgeous. But he's a working dog so you just don't get affection and he's hunting out for the treat all the time. He's a little bit snappy! He's a bit of a scene stealer. He's adorable. He's a lovely dog. He just works more than me!"

• Debbie writes Poldark at a treadmill desk. She walks about ten miles a day while she works!

• Aidan said he has to keep relatively fit just to fit into the costumes to which Karen quipped, "We make them super tight."

• On returning to the stage in Lieutenant of Inishmore Aidan said,"It's been a while. I'm slightly anxious but I'm excited to do it. I know a lot of the cast and I know Michael Grandage quite well. Yeah, I dunno. I'm just excited."

Here are some photos from the evening:

Aidan Turner

Luke Norris

Poldark's Back with a Splash!

A skirmish in Poldark series one, Ross being taken to gaol in series two and Elizabeth's horse bolting in series three. From the outset we're thrown straight into the drama with Poldark, so I can sense the audience anticipation mounting as the opening titles draw to a close, at the BFI preview screening of episode one, series four. Waiting with baited breath, the first scene fills the screen - and then the whole theatre erupts with laughter. That brilliant writer Debbie Horsfield has brought us straight back into Poldarkland and aren't we enjoying it? I'm not saying another word about the opening scene except to tease that Aidan Turner summed it up as 'pretty cold' and 'not pleasant, no, for a lot of reasons it wasn't pleasant.'

Of course, what we're all desperate to know is how are Ross (Aidan Turner) and Demelza (Eleanor Tomlinson) fairing after the shocking events of series two and three? There are some thoughtful scenes between them in this first episode or, as Aidan puts it, "They're finally talking! It's good." And their marriage?  "It's tricky for them both. Relationships are complex. It's interesting to have them talking as real people who love each other, who trust each other and can make it work." So how do their lives move on? "Ross starts to think of the possibilities of going to Westminster. It's an interesting time. Pitt has dissolved the government and there's a referendum. But in the end it's Demelza who really pushes him in that direction. She stays behind and is looking after the mine and the family while Ross goes off."

There are plenty of returning characters this series and some new ones too. Rebecca Front plays Lady Whitworth, the despicable Reverend Osborne Whitworth's (Christian Brassington) mother and Max Bennett is Monk Adderley, a new adversary for Ross. Debbie Horsfield says, "Monk Adderley is a real rogue and goes head to head with Ross. He's mates with George as well. He's the character lots of people will - I don't think 'enjoy' is the right word. He's a wonderful character." "He's a creep," chips in  Aidan to much laughter.

But the new characters are for the episodes to come. For now, Poldark concentrates on the familiar faces, reminding us of their stories. That's not to say there isn't plenty happening with Drake (Harry Richardson) and Sam (Tom York) at the centre of things and Ross called upon, once more, to speak up for the everyday man and woman.

Heida Reed and Jack Farthing as George and
 Elizabeth Warleggan. Photo: BBC

George Warleggan (Jack Farthing), of course,  is never far behind the troubles that befall Ross. Does Aidan still enjoy these scenes with Jack?  "Yeah, it's still fun. Myself and Jack get on very well so we work it through. I like it when it get's quite physical, actually. It's nice to roll around the room. His head in the fire was good!"

Elizabeth (Heida Reed) is there supporting George while Hugh (Josh Whitehouse) is standing for Parliament. Dwight (Luke Norris) and Caroline (Gabriella Wilde) have some happy news amid Morwenna's (Ellise Chappell) continuing desperate situation with Ossie. And then there's Prudie (Beatie Edney), who seems to be coming into her own with her interactions with Ross.

Debbie says she loves the new series. 'Series four, for me, has been very satisfying to write and to see it in it's execution. I'm really happy with it. There are some amazing story lines that take things to a new level.'   Sounds like we're in for a real treat!

Poldark returns to our screens in the UK at 9pm on Sunday 10 June, BBC One. 
Get ready to be Poldarked!

Writer Debbie Horsfield on What's in Store in 'Poldark' S4

Debbie Horsfield gives her insight into the new series of Poldark and what is store for the characters...

‘After the upheavals and threats to their marriage in series three, series four sees a major reconnection between Ross and Demelza as they realise how close they came to losing everything they hold dear. London calls for Ross, whilst Demelza holds the fort in Cornwall. We have a host of exciting new characters, some new rivalries and challenges – and some old rivalries which escalate to the point of catastrophe.

‘The world of Poldark is always expanding, and as we move to London we encounter a new social and political scene and a host of new characters.  Some of these are actual historical personages (Prime Minister Pitt, Attorney General John Mitford, William Wilberforce).  Others, such as Monk Adderley, are vibrant and exotic new additions, who have a major impact on the lives of Ross and Demelza.  As always though Ross and Demelza remain at the heart of the story.’

She explains how Ross becomes involved in politics…

‘Demelza said to Ross in series one “You cannot save all the world, you can only make your own small corner a fairer place”.   Ross has spent the last two series trying to do that. But towards the end of series three he begins to realise it’s not enough to operate at a local level. The factors which are impacting the lives of his tenants, workers and families – food shortages, rising prices, unemployment, the effects of suppressive new laws – are not things over which he has control. He realises that in order to have a say in creating genuine change, at a national level, he must do so in the corridors of power in Westminster.’ 

 And of the relationship between Ross and George...

‘The Ross/George rivalry continues through all 12 books of the Poldark saga and this series sees it intensify politically, commercially and personally.  Ross and George have always had opposing views of how to do business and how to treat their fellow men. Series four sees them diverge even further, whilst periodically going head to head in the personal and political arenas. Ultimately though they find themselves unexpectedly in the same boat in the face of unexpected tragedy.’

On the new characters...

‘Monk Adderley, an MP and former Army captain, is famed for his duelling and his scandalous affairs.  Reminiscent of Valmont (In Les Liaisons Dangereuses) he is utterly without conscience or loyalty and takes a twisted pleasure in wreaking havoc in the lives of others. Having said that, he does subscribe to a peculiar code of honour in relation to a particular incident which has catastrophic consequences. 

‘Back in Cornwall we also introduce the terrifying Lady Whitworth, mother of the repulsive Reverend Whitworth and scourge of her daughter-in-law Morwenna.  We’re thrilled that Rebecca Front has joined the cast and is needless to say magnificent in her creation of this monstrous and overbearing creature.

‘With the addition of new characters, new horizons and new conflicts, there’s plenty to get viewers talking.  However, I suspect the Monk Adderley storyline is one which they will particularly relish.  And as ever I hope the on going love story of Ross and Demelza will continue to engage.’

Did Debbie enjoy writing series four and what, for her, makes Poldark an enjoyable experience to return to each series?

‘This is a particularly turbulent period of British history - a time when we came close to having our own revolution (following those of American and France) and it’s been enjoyable to write about the unfolding dramas set against it.

‘For me the on going Poldark saga never ceases to excite, challenge and engage.  As a story with the portrait of a marriage at its heart, sometimes it’s made for uncomfortable viewing.  Winston Graham was writing about a real marriage, not a rose-tinted starry-eyed version of one - but that’s what makes it all the more rewarding to bring to the screen. The reconnection between Ross and Demelza, the renewed passion, the forgiveness and redemption of their marriage has been hard won, and is therefore all the more to be valued and enjoyed.’

Source: BBC Media Centre

Related Links:

Aidan Turner Talks Poldark S4

Eleanor Tomlinson Talks Poldark S4
Poldark S4: Max Bennett is Monk Adderley

Poldark S4: Rebecca Front is Lady Whitworth
Heida Reed is Elizabeth Warleggan
Jack Farthing Talks George Warleggan
Poldark S4: Gabriella Wilde is Caroline Enys
Poldark S4: Luke Norris is Dwight Enys
Poldark S4: Christian Brassington Talks Reverend Osborne Whitworth

 Poldark S4: Harry Richardson is Drake Carne
Poldark S4: Ellise Chappell is Morwenna Whitworth
Beatie Edney Talks Poldark S4
Poldark S4: Tom York is Sam Carne
Poldark S4: Ciara Charteris is Emma Tregirls

Poldark Returns 10 June and here's the Trailer!

It's confirmed!

Poldark returns to UK televisions on Sunday 10 June at 9pm!  Earlier today the BBC tweeted:

Our favourite Cornishman is back. Series 4 of #Poldark returns to @BBCOne on Sunday 10 June, 9pm. pic.twitter.com/ldcRPpO4KG

— BBC One (@BBCOne) 30 May 2018

And just to add to the excitement the trailer dropped tonight.

Ross Poldark had better look over his shoulders..." Series 4 of #Poldark begins Sunday 10 June at 9pm. pic.twitter.com/PGrqI3u9u4

— BBC One (@BBCOne) 30 May 2018

Doesn't it look fabulous?

Poldark S4: Ciara Charteris is Emma Tregirls

Ciara Charteris as Emma Tregirls  Photo: Official Poldark

For Ciara Charteris, filming in Cornwall provided her with the opportunity to engage in an outdoors activity few people would be brave enough to attempt.

‘I love to wild and cold-water swim so for me being in Cornwall was amazing as on any mornings off that I had I could be in that sea which was wonderful, even though it was September. My mum and my grandma both really love it and so we have been camping and wild swimming since I was really little. Everyone else on set thought I was mad, especially the night I turned up to dinner soaking wet, but it was really fun. Cornwall is such a beautiful place and there are so many incredible places to swim so for me, it was a real joy.’

Ciara tells us why she was originally drawn to the role of Emma Tregirls.

‘I had been in to audition for a few other roles when they first started casting the drama but the reason I wanted to play Emma was because she was so different to anyone else in the show. She is so rough and ready and even though we see a slightly more gentle side to her this series, she really holds her own and has a lot of strength. It has been great to play a character in a period drama who is not so scrubbed up. Just like her father, Tholly, Emma has a sense of rough and readiness as well as an incredible confidence and inner strength.

'She is also quite outrageous; I have some of the best lines. For the rest of my life I will always remember the fact that I got to say the line; ‘I have been with many men in the hayfields.’ Who wouldn’t want to play someone who loves life and men so unashamedly? She has this incredible zest for life and that is a real joy to play as an actress. She has this cheekiness and she takes on anyone that she meets so she has been really fun.’

Ciara reveals that she couldn’t be less like the character she plays in Poldark.

‘Emma and I are completely different people. In fact, when friends realise that I play her they are completely taken aback and are pretty shocked. I am much more uptight and reserved, I need control whereas Emma is all about the fun and is totally free-wheeling and constantly skipping and dancing through the woods which I would never do without sussing out who is watching. However, playing this role has definitely forced me out of my own head more than ever before.’

Ciara tells us what is in store for the fun-loving Emma, this series, including the tumultuous romance with Demelza’s younger brother, Sam Carne (Tom York).

‘We see Emma fall further for Sam this series and all of the trouble that that brings. Emma has never met anyone like Sam before, so at first we see her want to take on the challenge in a fun way but there are genuine feelings there and it takes her by surprise that she is capable of feeling that much. Sam sees her in a way that she doesn’t even see herself and that is really tough for her but in a good way that happens to you when you are falling in love. However, she is also true to herself so their differences are very tricky. There is this really gentle, loving soul in Emma that is completely reflected through Sam and there is a really fun side of Sam who wants to experience life outside of his religion, which is brought out and reflect in Emma. So there is something beautiful that happens when they are together.’

Ciara has worked on period dramas a lot but she has never had to play a role like Emma whilst wearing a period corset. She tells us what that was like.

‘Last series Emma spent the whole time in her rags but this year, because of the time period, Emma gets a corset and dress. Corsets are not the easiest thing to live in day-to-day and it has given me a lot of respect for our former women. But it does also feel really great to know you can just be squished in every day. Wearing a corset suddenly enforces a posture and a different way of carrying yourself as it transforms the way you would regularly sit, stand or move. Corsets are a garment usually associated with ladies belonging to a higher societal class but Emma is wearing one whilst she sits in the pub and drinks beer so trying to find her very unique mannerisms whilst wearing the costume was very interesting and a lot of fun.’

 Source: BBC Media Centre

Links:

Aidan Turner Talks Poldark S4

Eleanor Tomlinson Talks Poldark S4
Poldark S4: Max Bennett is Monk Adderley

Poldark S4: Rebecca Front is Lady Whitworth
Heida Reed is Elizabeth Warleggan
Jack Farthing Talks George Warleggan
Poldark S4: Gabriella Wilde is Caroline Enys
Poldark S4: Luke Norris is Dwight Enys
Poldark S4: Christian Brassington Talks Reverend Osborne Whitworth

 Poldark S4: Harry Richardson is Drake Carne
Poldark S4: Ellise Chappell is Morwenna Whitworth
Beatie Edney Talks Poldark S4
Poldark S4: Tom York is Sam Carne

Poldark S4: Tom York is Sam Carne

 

Tom York as Sam Carne  Photo: BBC

Demelza’s little brother, Sam Carne, gets into a few scrapes in this series of Poldark. Tom York reveals some of the drama we can expect to see, including a Cornish wrestling match.

‘Sam agrees to a Cornish wrestling match with the brutish Tom Harry (Turlough Convery) for the love of Emma Tregirls (Ciara Charteris), who has promised to attend church with him if he wins. Sam agrees to fight in the hope of finally providing her with the chance to fall in love with Methodism in a way that he has. Filming the match was so much fun. It is a real joy as an actor when you have something so physical to get your teeth into.

'We had to wear the traditional Cornish wrestling jackets, which were our only weapons against each other, as you grab on to each other’s jacket in order to pin your opponent down on the ground. The object is to lift and throw your opponent so that he falls flat onto his back. It was exhausting. It was choreographed but we really wanted to get an authentic feel for it so we had a lot of room to play around within that and get really involved. It is a really long fight so when you see us panting and sweating there is no acting and very little make-up. It was a really immersive experience and it was great fun. From the reactions of the people who were watching it is going to be very exciting.’

Tom reveals that this series kicks off to a very dramatic start.

‘This series covers the time period where crisis is at the highest level it has ever been in Cornwall. The miners and local community find out that grain is being shipped away from this starving population because they can get a better price for it abroad, and so people get very angry and want to do something about it. For Sam, violence is not the way to get something done but people are starving…

From the first moment, in classic Poldark style, Sam gets straight in the middle of something he really shouldn’t be in the middle of and drama takes hold straight away.’

Tom reveals what else is in store for Sam and his family this series.

‘Sam is slowly starting to integrate himself into Ross and Demelza’s lives, although still with trepidation because there is still friction there due to different beliefs and ways of living their lives. Whereas he was dogmatic last year he is much more malleable this year and is trying to find a more generous approach to living.

'He wants to love his family and be a good man and his way of navigating his beliefs previously was inhibiting his ability to do that. After the great shock of the first episode he relaxes and begins to accept his family for the good people that they are.’

Sam’s relationship with his younger brother, Drake, changes this year. Tom divulges a little about their bond and why that shift is necessary.

‘A lot has happened and continues to happen with Drake and he is in a much more difficult state this series. So because of that, the dynamic really changes between these brothers. Sam’s natural instinct is to protect but he realises that it is not working and whatever he seems to do Drake just seems to fall further into this dark place. Sam has to let Drake just be, more than ever and allow his brother to deal with things by himself more than he is used to.

'That in itself is a real lesson Sam is learning, he always wants to do what is best for other people but he has maybe seen last year that trying to control everything for everyone doesn’t work so this time he is trying to let Drake figure things out for himself.  He hopes that by giving him that space he will make the right decisions. It is a difficult lesson for a big brother to learn.’

Relaxing into his faith and into the notion of letting things be isn’t something Sam finds so easy when it comes to matters of the heart…

‘In a big way it comes down to fighting for love this series for Sam. He fights with himself a lot because Emma, as you have seen from previous series, is not necessarily who we would all say Sam is destined to be with but you can’t help whom you fall in love with and Sam falls in a really big way.

'The relationship with Emma is what I am most excited for audiences to see because it is a beautiful one but also a difficult one that I hope people will be able to relate to. Emma represents so many things he wishes he could be and some things he definitely doesn’t wish to be… but he can’t help loving her and even though he knows she is probably not right for him he can’t stop his heart. I think a lot of people can relate to that struggle.’

 Source: BBC Media Centre

Related Links:

Aidan Turner Talks Poldark S4

Eleanor Tomlinson Talks Poldark S4
Poldark S4: Max Bennett is Monk Adderley

Poldark S4: Rebecca Front is Lady Whitworth
Heida Reed is Elizabeth Warleggan
Jack Farthing Talks George Warleggan
Poldark S4: Gabriella Wilde is Caroline Enys
Poldark S4: Luke Norris is Dwight Enys
Poldark S4: Christian Brassington Talks Reverend Osborne Whitworth

 Poldark S4: Harry Richardson is Drake Carne
Poldark S4: Ellise Chappell is Morwenna Whitworth
Beatie Edney Talks Poldark S4
Poldark S4: Ciara Charteris is Emma Tregirls