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

Deebie 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

Pics from the 'Poldark' S4 Preview Screening at the BFI

Here are a few pics from last night's preview screening of Poldark S4 at the BFI.  Sorry, there's no report as news from the Q&A is embargoed for a while.  I did ask the BFI Box Office if the panel would be filmed and disappointingly, it seems not.

Eleanor Tomlinson was unable to make the event as she is busy filming War of the Worlds but she did send a video (below) with the wonderful news that there would be a series 5!

#Poldark fans, @ETomlinson has some exciting news from tonight's screening of S4 episode 1. You don't want to miss this announcement! pic.twitter.com/2IoyL4p8Cu

— Official Poldark (@PoldarkTV) 2 May 2018

Luke Norris, Esme Coy, Christian Brassington,
Joshua Whitehouse, Aidan Turner, Ellise Chappell, Beatie Edney

Debbie Horsfield, Aidan Turner and Karen Thrussell

Poldark S4 Preview Screening at BFI

Poldark series four is to get a preview screening at the BFI Southbank this May!

The first episode will be shown and Aidan Turner will be there for the Q&A along with writer Debbie Horsfield and executive producer Karen Thrussell.

The event will take place on 2 May at 8.15pm. Tickets are available from the BFI website from 3 April for BFI members and 10 April at 11.30 am for non-members. Tickets are limited to two per person.

Details and tickets are available from the BFI website.

Nine Snippets from 'Poldark on Stage'

Rebecca Keane, Debbie Horsfield, Damien Timmer and
Karen Thrussell

Poldark on Stage was a chance for fans to find out more about the show from screenwriter Debbie Horsfield and Executive Producers Karen Thrussell, Damien Timmer and Rebecca Keane. Now-familiar stories such as how Aidan Turner and Eleanor Tomlinson were cast, were mixed with new tales to make an interesting evening topped, wonderfully, by a look at some film from series four. Fans were treated to a three minute clip from episode one of Ross and Demelza sitting and talking by the fireside. First, though, we saw a preview of S4 as shown to the cast and crew at the wrap party back in January. It looks fabulous!

Here are some snippets from the evening:

• Damien said that the fifth series of Poldark was 'in discussion'.
• Mammoth Screen do not know when series four will be aired but say it may be a little earlier than last year. S4 will take us to the end of The Angry Tide.
• Damien said: There are plans afoot for an American fan event: that's certainly been discussed.
• Debbie uses an 18th century Cornish lexicon to ensure that the Cornish dialogue she writes is as authentic as possible. She is convinced Winston Graham used this lexicon too, as all the phrases from the books are in it. Debbie invented the word 'skillage' - a favourite from the show.
• There is a scene in S4 where Ross and Demelza are racing their horses across the sand and, during the filming, Eleanor's horse edged in front. Aidan, looking over and getting a bit cross about this, urged his horse on but couldn't catch up. When Karen spoke to them afterwards Eleanor was quietly smug while Aidan was all "Well my horse isn't as fast..."
• The BBC have a standard amount of money they pay for an hour of drama and don't pay any more because it's an historical drama filmed in Cornwall. The production company has to work out how much money they need to raise, outside of the BBC licence fee and tax credit, to make the show. They overspent on the first series of Poldark because it was a much bigger production than anticipated but now the show comes in on budget. Despite claims by the press that 'no expense has been spared' there is always scrimping and saving. Debbie is very strict about the finance and is good at finding the dramatic purpose of a scene within the confines of the budget. 
• Talking locations, Rebecca said Nampara is the beating heart of Poldark and they sometimes go and sit in the set and think "We're in Ross's living room."
• Karen nearly resigned over the exterior of Nampara! She felt it should be bigger.  The original plan had been to build an extra wing on the end of the house but then, because they were over-budget, that became impossible so they had to make the house work as it was.
• Poldark is a happy ship! It has one of the happiest, most bonded teams and people care passionately about it.

Poldark on Stage was a fundraiser for the INK Festival which supports the new writing of films and plays in East Anglia. An auction of photographs signed by Eleanor and Aidan raised £340 on the night and the bidding is still open on the auction for one of Ross's waistcoats. Check out the details here.

Aidan Turner talks 'Poldark' Series Four Air Date and Series Five

Photo: Radio Times

Poldark Series Four will air in the UK earlier than last year according to Aidan Turner.

In an interview with the Radio Times at the Covers Party last night he said it would return, “Sooner rather than later, I imagine. I think it’s probably a different time to last year, it’s probably earlier from what I can gather. They need to finish post production and all of those sorts of things so that’s when I step out.”

He also confirmed that a fifth series has been green lit saying,“Definitely we’re going to do season five, we’re going to shoot the fifth one. After that, I don’t know. We’ll have to see how it all goes, but definitely for five. It’s kind of one step at a time.”

Aidan was at the Radio Times Covers Party to collect the award for the Poldark cover along with writer Debbie Horsfield, executive producer Karen Thrussell and Aunt Agatha herself, Caroline Blakiston. It was great to see stills photographer Robert Viglasky there as well, as he produces the photographs for so many fine covers. Here are some pictures from the night.

Aidan Turner, Caroline Blakiston, Debbie Horsfield, Karen Thrussell Photo: Official Poldark

Aidan with Robert Viglasky  Photo: Robert Viglasky

With GBBO Photo: Kate Lyon

Photo: Radio Times

'Poldark' Q&A; in Suffolk

Writer Debbie Horsfield and Mammoth Screen producers Damien Timmer, Karen Thrussell and Rebecca Keane "spill the beans behind the scenes" at this Poldark Q&A held in aid of INK Festival. A showing of an unseen preview of series four and some Poldark out-takes add to the excitement of the evening, as does an auction of something 'up close and personal' of Aidan Turner's.

The Q&A is on 17 February, 2018 at 7.30 pm, The Village Hall, Walberswick, Suffolk.
Tickets: £15 are  available from the village Tuck Shop or from [email protected] .

See Poldark Q&A  for more information.

Debbie Horsfield Wins RNA Award for 'Poldark'

Debbie Horsfield with her Award
Photo: Official Poldark

Congratulations to Debbie Horsfield on winning the Romantic Novelists' Association Industry Award 2017 for Best Adaptation of a Romantic Novel for Poldark series three.It's the second time Debbie has won the award in this category for Poldark, having previously won it back in 2015. Author of the Poldark  novels,Winston Graham, was linked to the RNA for many years, so it is a particularly nice tribute for Debbie to win.

The judges said: "After three series, Poldark remains a fantastic series with stunning scenery, excellent casting, and still stays close to the original text. It is one of those can't-be-missed programmes, with a charismatic but flawed hero and heroine." 

The awards were announced at the RNA Winter Party on 15 November 2017.

Debbie accepting her award in 2015

Debbie Horsfield Nominated for Romantic Novelists' Association Award

Debbie Horsfield receiving her RNA award 2015
Photo: RNA

Congratulations to Debbie Horsfield on her nomination for the Romantic Novelists' Association Industry Award for Best Adaptation of a Romantic Novel for Poldark series three.

It's the second time Debbie has been nominated in this category for Poldark: she won it back in 2015. This year she is up against the film Love and Friendship by Whit Stillman and Jane Austen (based on Jane Austen's Novella).

The Industry Awards winners will be announced on 15 November, 2017 at the RNA's Winter Party.

Viewing Figures for 'Poldark' Series 3

Photo: BBC One

The Poldark series three finale brought in the viewers with 6.1 million of us tuning in to find out how things would work out for Ross and Demelza. The seven day consolidated figures from Barb (which do not include BBC iPlayer) show episode nine was the second most popular programme on BBC One in the week of 31 July to 6 August, with Eastenders at 6.3m pipping it to the top slot.

Scriptwriter Debbie Horsfield told RadioTimes.com: “I think it has held its own over the summer.

“The thing about the English weather is it’s so terrible and it’s still raining outside anyway so people stay in to watch TV. Everyone’s pleased with the viewing figures and so many people are watching."

Poldark S3 consistently won the overnights 9pm slot grabbing up to 25% of viewers on Sunday nights. 

The premiere was the most watched episode of the series with an audience of 6.7 m. At 5.9m episode 4 was the least watched. Over the whole series Poldark averaged an audience of 6.1m. This compares to 7.6m for S1 and 6.4m for S2 (7 day consolidated figures).

BBC sources suggested to the Radio Times that: '...executives were so pleased with Poldark's performance for series three that they plan to repeat the summer scheduling experiment next year.'

Well done Poldark!

Postscript:  Poldark S3 has been airing in Australia too, just a week behind the UK. Last night's finale garnered an audience of 551k, the best of any episode since series one!  So once more - well done Poldark!

Many thanks to @veras67  on Twitter for her regular help with the figures from Australia.

Related links:
Viewing Figures for 'Poldark' S3 Premiere
Watching 'Poldark' - BBC iPlayer

Dramatic Start to 'Poldark' Series 3

"Fourth!" Aidan Turner covers his mouth with his hand and gives this aside, then looks around with a boyish grin as the audience bursts into laughter. I'm at the press preview for Poldark series three and the Q&A panel (Aidan Turner, Eleanor Tomlinson, Luke Norris, Jack Farthing and Karen Thrussell) have just been asked if they're happy Poldark's going out in June. It catches them off guard. Has June been confirmed? Can they say? Then Aidan breaks the tension by pretending to know the date and teases Karen Thrussell.

Aidan Turner

We've just watched the first episode of Poldark and, boy, is it good! It's fast moving with lots of drama, tense scenes and a sprinkling of humour. It's set a few months after the end of series two with an uneasy truce between Demelza and Ross; Elizabeth pregnant and married to George Warleggan; and Caroline and Dwight finding love.

The episode opens with the dramatic scene of Elizabeth's horse bolting. The scene was shown at the BFI and Radio Times Festival and, yes, it still judders before your eyes. Talking us through it Aidan says, "There was quite a big horse scene at the beginning. I don't think I'm telling tales out of school to say we went back to shoot it again because it took so long to get it right. We had the stunt guys around for that scene. It was a difficult one to nail down. But it's always fun playing around with the horses."  So is he now known for his horse riding? "Yeah, "he grins, "I'm known for horse-action. That's meeee!"

Eleanor Tomlinson

Elizabeth's baby is born and, while there may be some question on the baby's paternity, executive producer Karen Thrussell assures us, "We don't know who the father is. In the books it's not clear."  "What about the little scar?" chips in Aidan to much laughter. Karen continues,"We don't know and neither does Elizabeth for certain and neither does Demelza and neither does Ross."

The episode moves on apace then all of a sudden, excitingly, there's a moment on the beach I'd expected to see in series two and its absence caused not a little disappointment. But here it is!  In a different context to what I'd thought but a thrill to see it on screen at last! Were the fans listened to? I like to think so!

Ross pays a visit to George Warleggan at his impressive bank. Will there be fisticuffs this time? "Certainly with Ross he's getting older and more mature," says Aidan,"There are only so many barroom brawls you can get in to before somebody loses his life. They have their families to consider. It's part of growing up." Does that mean George has improved? "He's definitely worse," says Jack, "But he's also got better because you see more of him emotionally: his angst, his vulnerability."

Jack Farthing

Ross's good friend Dwight Enys has his own joys and disappointments in this first episode. Luke says, "Dwight tries to be a fundamentally decent, wonderful man and fails quite a lot. He's a guy whose moral compass is really right on but circumstances conspire against him - a lot! He makes some bad choices too."

Several of the scenes I saw filmed on my visit to Bottleyard Studio last year are in this first episode, and those of you who've read my set report may pick up on Demelza saying "pudding" and letters arriving at Nampara without a seal!

It wouldn't be Poldark of course if there weren't waves crashing against the rocks and a gallop along
the cliffs although this time it's not Ross but Demelza speeding away!

Luke Norris

So who can you expect to see in this first episode? Well, in addition to the main cast there are some returning characters: Ray Penvenen (John Nettles), Tom Carne (Mark Frost), Captain Henshawe (John Hollingworth) and Harris Pascoe (Richard Hope). There are some new faces too. Ellise Chappell is Morwenna, Elizabeth's cousin and Harry Marcus plays Elizabeth's son Geoffrey Charles, who joins Aunt Agatha as another Poldark thorn in George Warleggan's side. Harry Richardson and Tom York play Demelza's brothers Drake and Sam. Eleanor says, "Working with them both was amazing. Tom York and Harry Richardson are my best friends now. I had such a blast and it's so lovely to have new people coming into the cast. It brings a real new energy."

Sadly, Jud (Phil Davis) is absent from series three. But there's a new character coming back into Ross's life: Tholly Tregirls (Sean Gilder). Tholly was around when Ross was a boy and was a good friend to both Ross and his father, Joshua Poldark. Sean says he believes Tholly knows Ross better than anyone. Debbie Horsfield explains, "With Tholly you can see where Ross got his bad lad tendencies. The problem is, Ross has changed in these 13 years. He isn't always the wild tearaway though there are still those tendencies. He is his right-hand man in many escapades."  Aidan enjoyed working with Sean, "Sean is such a cool fella. We just got on great."  And is it true they had fun in every scene? "We're really cool people to hang out with," he jokes.

Poldark will be back on our screens on BBC One in June. Get ready to fall in love with it all over again!

Photo credit: Evie Bowman for Poldarked

Please remember to credit Poldarked when reposting from this article.

Related links:
Letters, Puddings and Drama: On the Set of Poldark Series 3
Pics from Poldark S3 Preview Screening
Ross and Demelza: A Happier Time

Pics from 'Poldark' S3 Preview Screening

Here are a few pics from the Q&As at last night's Poldark S3 preview screening. Sorry, there's no report as news from the event is embargoed for a while.

Photo: Evie Bowman

Eleanor Tomlinson 

Luke Norris

Aidan Turner 

Aidan and Jack Farthing

Karen Thrussell, Luke Norris, Eleanor Tomlinson

Ellise Chappell (Morwenna)

Debbie Horsfield, Harry Richardson (Drake), Tom York (Sam)

All photos by Evie Bowman.