Heida and Eleanor's Poldark Chat

Heida Reed is holding a series of chats about Poldark with members of the cast whilst we are all self-isolating. Here is her chat with Eleanor Tomlinson (Demelza) on Friday 3 April, 2020.

Heida holds the chats on her Instagram account and, so far, has talked to Ruby Bentall (Verity) and Eleanor.

Video thanks to ESKCreative on YouTube

Trailer: Poldark - Series 5, Episode 3

First love blossoms but a disaster in Cornwall threatens the Poldarks' hopes of lying low.

Source:
bbc.co.uk - © copyright 2019 BBC

Poldark S5 Episode 3 Clip: Why do you Smile?

"Why do you smile?" Ross and Demelza share a tender moment in their beloved Cornwall. Ross reads a note which darkens his mood. Via BBC One Poldark website.

Source:
bbc.co.uk - © copyright 2019 BBC

Eleanor Tomlinson on 'Poldark' Series Five

Photo: BBC

Eleanor Tomlinson returns for the last time to play Demelza Poldark and reveals the special memento she received as a parting gift: ‘As a gift from the props department I was given a small collection of the hand written letters Demelza has written or received throughout the show’s run. One of which was the love poem Hugh Armitage (Josh Whitehouse) wrote to Demelza, which is so beautiful.’

Eleanor discusses what is in store for Demelza in the eventful final series of Poldark: ‘As we go into this series, the Cornish people are struggling to survive, there are food shortages, lack of pay and mine closures and Demelza is often at the forefront trying to help people where she can. This time she tries to set up a school with Morwenna (Ellise Chappell) at the helm as teacher. Demelza is always thinking about enriching the lives of the people in Cornwall and she realises the importance of reading and writing and of an education so she takes on that challenge within the community which is met with great hostility.

‘We are also dealing with the children being slightly older this series and there is more interaction with Valentine as we realise he isn’t happy with George and in his family. Ross (Aidan Turner) feels a sense of guilt when it comes to Valentine and so he tries to take him under his wing at moments but that has an impact on both families.'

Eleanor finds herself challenged by a new adversary this series...: ‘There is a new character called Tess Tregidden (Sofia Oxenham) who comes into this series who Demelza has an interesting relationship with as they come from similar backgrounds. However, Demelza has made something of herself and Tess is very jealous about that and competitive with her and so she tries to unseat her within her own house…’

Photo: BBC

Other new characters this series are Ned Despard (Vincent Regan), Ross’s ranking officer in the American Revolutionary War, and his wife, Kitty (Kerri McLean) whose arrival sets the series off to an explosive start: ‘Early on in this series Ross decides to help Kitty on her dangerous mission of getting Ned out of prison and in doing that he invites them to live with us. Suddenly Nampara is taken over by this Ned character who, in many ways, is a bad influence on Ross. Demelza has worked hard to tame Ross, and enable him to think more about his family and his life before making rash decisions and Ned comes along and upturns that.

‘So it leaves Kitty, his wife, for Demelza to form a relationship with and they bond over the fact that they were both servants who fell in love with, and married, their masters. Kitty is a former slave and for someone in her position to marry her master was extraordinary so we deal with adjusting Kitty to life in Cornwall and in London. Demelza and Kitty soon become firm friends and have a great bond.’

Eleanor talks about Demelza and Ross’s relationship and what it has been like to work alongside Aidan for five years: ‘Ross and Demelza come up against problems this series because Ross becomes a spy and Demelza is excluded from that, as he doesn’t tell her what is going on in order to protect her.

‘Ross and Demelza’s relationship is a very modern one and I believe that is why people have loved them as a couple, because they are relatable. Their lives aren’t perfect, Ross has cheated, as has Demelza, there is dishonesty in the relationship but there is also a lot of love and passion. Their relationship is very honest and it has been wonderful portraying that.

‘I love Aidan; we have a very fun relationship. We work very differently which actually works really well when we are filming and is part of the reason we have such great chemistry on screen. We are fiery with each other, staying true to our characters and I will really miss working alongside him. He has been a huge part of my life and a great friend.’

Photo: BBC

But what will Eleanor miss the most…?: ‘I will definitely miss the fans; their support has been amazing and without them we wouldn’t have this show. It's very sad it is coming to an end but we have taken these characters on the best journey they could have gone on so it seems right to take a break now.

‘And I will really miss Cornwall, it has been a huge part of this show, it is the heartbeat of Poldark and getting to go there every year for a few weeks has been incredible. It is so beautiful and I will miss it dearly. I will miss the support there from the fans and seeing how much it means to them in Cornwall, it has been a wonderful journey to all have gone on together. I will also miss our incredible crew and the wonderful cast. You become a family when you work on something like this for so long and I am looking forward to seeing where everyone goes and getting together for reunions.’

Playing a strong female character has empowered Eleanor for her future: ‘I now look at scripts and think who is this character, what does she offer this project and playing Demelza has definitely given me the strength of character to challenge myself in many ways. Now is the time for strong female roles and that is what I am interested in playing and making my mark as a strong independent woman.’

Poldark returns to BBC One on 14 July, 2019.

Related Links:
Aidan Turner Talks 'Poldark' Series Five
Jack Farthing on the Final Series of 'Poldark'
Luke Norris Talks 'Poldark' Series Five
Gabriella Wilde Talks 'Poldark' Series Five
Vincent Regan is Ned Despard in 'Poldark'
Kerri McLean is Kitty Despard in 'Poldark'
Ellise Chappell on 'Poldark' Series Five
Harry Richardson Talks 'Poldark' Series Five
Freddie Wise is Geoffrey Charles Poldark
Lily Dodsworth-Evans is Cecily Hanson in 'Poldark'
Sofia Oxenham is Tess Tregidden in 'Poldark'

Source: BBC Media Pack

Aidan Turner Talks 'Poldark' Series Five

Photo: BBC

Aidan Turner reflects on the past five years playing Ross Poldark, the emotional journey he has taken with the character and how it felt to film the final series of this much loved BBC drama: ‘When we started Poldark we aimed to complete the majority of the books that we could, which would likely take us up to series five. So during filming for this series there was a sense of completion and relief that we made it this far, that the show has been successful and that people enjoy watching it. Hitting that mark and returning for the fifth series was always the goal and we are proud to have achieved that. Walking on to set this year was different; when we would visit a specific location knowing that it would be the final time it was crazy, the whole series was emotional in that sense.'

Explaining the final series, Aidan says: 'There is a lot going on this series; there is an influx of exciting new characters, there’s a lot of tension. There is a great pace to the show this year that feels different and overall it feels slightly more grown up. That is something I believe people have loved about Poldark, that it does change every series and there are always new and interesting characters that alter the feel of the show. Ross is a dynamic character; he is not the same person year after year.

‘It has been incredible taking him on this journey. I was watching some clips of scenes from series one and one of them was when Eleanor was singing in the parlour and we all look so young. It is when I reflect on moments like those that all the emotions come in and it makes me think about how much Ross has grown and how much I have grown and learned and what these characters have been through. It is especially funny to see how Ross may have reacted to certain scenes in the first series in comparison to how he would react in a similar scene in series five. That is not something you think about at the time but through the evolution of character it is interesting to see. For someone who is naturally impulsive and flippant and very much wore his heart on his sleeve it is nice to see Ross grow up and learn responsibilities in the right way and to the right people.’

Photo: Sunday Times

Whilst Ross may have grown up, he still wears his heart on his sleeve, which is clear when he jumps to the aid of an old friend this series, despite the mission being incredibly treacherous:
‘Ned Despard and Ross were soldiers together in Virginia during the war and Ned is someone Ross has always looked up to and used as a template for his own life in a lot of ways. Ned is impulsive and has a real sense of adventure and fearlessness to him.  He has a sense of pride, courage and a sense of justice and is everything Ross tries to be. Ross has grown up by this stage and he is surprised to find that Ned hasn’t. Ned still has that burning flame that can get him into a lot of trouble and when he meets Ross he is in a world of trouble but there is a great sense of friendship, this bond of loyalty that they have with each other.
'Vincent (Regan) who plays Ned is great and such a lovely guy, he was perfect for this character. It was strange because Ned is Irish and I am playing British in this and I was worried about someone pulling off the accent but Vincent’s accent is brilliant. I actually don’t know any other actor who has quite nailed it in the same way. That helped us on set because I really believed his character, Ross and Ned have a great chemistry.’

Ned leads Ross into all sorts of swashbuckling scenarios including a sword fight that Aidan relished: ‘I love doing all of the different stunts and sword fighting is a lot of fun. You learn the choreography for the fights and you’re safe in rehearsals but on the day there is this unsaid thing with actors who are doing fight scenes that you have to pull it off and so you really lean into it. Also if you use plastic swords they tend to wobble a little so we had to use the real things. It was our first week in Cornwall and Vincent and I were rehearsing on the beach in the sunshine which was pretty cool.’

Photo: BBC

With Ross fighting for Ned’s freedom in London, Demelza takes on his responsibilities in Cornwall. Aidan reveals he was sad to spend less time this series with his on screen wife Eleanor Tomlinson and discusses their emotional, final day on set together: ‘Demelza and Ross are spending less time together which makes sense for the story and is good because it gives us both different directions to go; Ross goes to London and Demelza takes the driver's seat in Cornwall - running the mine and trying to find work for people. I have always really enjoyed filming my scenes with Eleanor because she is such a brilliant actress and we get on so well so it was strange not to film as much together. Demelza and Ross are in a good place, they have been through so much together and they have found common ground; both of them are trying to be better people and make it work for their family and they’ve got to a place where for now, it works and there is a sense of contentment or peace in their relationship that they’ve never really had before. They make this pact early on to be good to each other and it is an important one. But I did miss doing as many scenes with Eleanor this year. However, on the very last day it was just myself and Eleanor filming bedroom scenes in Nampara and it was poignant to spend that last day with Eleanor in quite an intimate situation, it made sense.’

Aidan discusses Ross’s relationship with Poldark’s beloved doctor, Dwight Enys (Luke Norris), and the difficulties their friendship faces this series. ‘Just when Ross is beginning to grow up, find his feet and level out his temperament Ned Despard comes into his world again and, in the eyes of Dwight, sets out to disrupt that, as he sees Ned as a red flag. There is a small amount of jealousy as well with Dwight, he and Ross are best friends and with this new enigmatic and interesting guy coming back into their lives he feels slightly shunned. These two characters jar slightly and you can tell from Dwight that he doesn’t find Ned funny and he definitely doesn’t trust him. Dwight is that moral sense of reason that Ross really needs. He is Ross’s wingman and he always steps up to help despite his better judgment. Dwight reluctantly joins Ross on a mission this year where, if found, they could be executed.’

Photo: BBC

With the stakes higher than ever this series, Aidan discusses what it was like to film some momentous and shocking scenes in parliament: ‘Ross continues pushing the campaign for the abolition of slavery and supporting Pitt and Wilberforce in that action this series. These were all very real events that were happening around the time and the way Debbie (Horsfield) has weaved these historical figures like Ned and Kitty Despard (Kerri McLean) into our drama is quite brilliant. We spent four days in parliament shooting and it still feels eerie but also amazing to stand up and speak there. It is such a joy to speak the words Debbie has written.

‘It seems so archaic now because some of these arguments that we’re supposed to believe are plausible from the other side of the House are so shocking. The way they would talk about slaves like they were chattel, a work force, not even human and the fact that that notion was even being argued is unbelievable. People were writing manifestoes to try and convince people of that idea and when you hear it you have to pinch yourself, as it is difficult to understand that this is something people actually used to believe.

‘That said, being on the right side of the House to these arguments was really fun to play especially as we have Ross and George Warleggan (Jack Farthing) going at it from across the room. It is always fun to play moments where Ross and George go at it from opposing sides because Jack is such a brilliant actor. George has this ability to convince anyone of even the most horrendous things and so even though his argument is horrific he does it in such a convincing way. Jack and I get on really well, I respect him so much and think he is a phenomenal actor so it was fun despite the horrific content we had to deliver.’

Aidan may be leaving Poldark but the heart of the show will be going with him… specifically in his kitchen: ‘I sent a text to Karen Thrussell, our executive producer, asking if I could possibly have the kitchen table and benches from Nampara as it is this beautiful, vintage French table and they said yes, so I am very excited to put them in my house. That will be a cool memento because it was at the middle of all of the big scenes we had in Nampara and where a lot of things went down. Obviously I am also taking the tricorn hat...’ 

Of course he is!

Poldark returns to our TV screens on Sunday 14 July, 9 pm, BBC One.

Related Links:

Aidan and Eleanor on Ross, Demelza and Each Other

Eleanor Tomlinson on 'Poldark' Series Five
Jack Farthing on the Final Series of 'Poldark'
Luke Norris Talks 'Poldark' Series Five
Gabriella Wilde Talks 'Poldark' Series Five
Vincent Regan is Ned Despard in 'Poldark'
Kerri McLean is Kitty Despard in 'Poldark'
Ellise Chappell on 'Poldark' Series Five
Harry Richardson Talks 'Poldark' Series Five
Freddie Wise is Geoffrey Charles Poldark
Lily Dodsworth-Evans is Cecily Hanson in 'Poldark'
Sofia Oxenham is Tess Tregidden in 'Poldark'

Source:  Poldark Press Pack

Aidan and Eleanor on Ross, Demelza and Each Other

Photo: BBC

We all know Ross and Demelza have had their ups and downs, so what do Aidan Turner (Ross) and Eleanor Tomlinson (Demelza) say the upcoming series of Poldark has in store for the couple?

Aidan: Demelza and Ross are spending less time together which makes sense for the story and is good because it gives us both different directions to go; Ross goes to London and Demelza takes the driver's seat in Cornwall - running the mine and trying to find work for people. Demelza and Ross are in a good place, they have been through so much together and they have found common ground; both of them are trying to be better people and make it work for their family and they’ve got to a place where for now, it works and there is a sense of contentment or peace in their relationship that they’ve never really had before. They make this pact early on to be good to each other and it is an important one.

Eleanor: Ross and Demelza come up against problems this series because Ross becomes a spy and Demelza is excluded from that, as he doesn’t tell her what is going on in order to protect her.
Ross and Demelza’s relationship is a very modern one and I believe that is why people have loved them as a couple, because they are relatable. Their lives aren’t perfect, Ross has cheated, as has Demelza, there is dishonesty in the relationship but there is also a lot of love and passion. Their relationship is very honest and it has been wonderful portraying that.

What has it has been like to work alongside each other for five years?  

Aidan: I have always really enjoyed filming my scenes with Eleanor because she is such a brilliant actress and we get on so well so it was strange not to film as much together. But I did miss doing as many scenes with Eleanor this year. However, on the very last day it was just myself and Eleanor filming bedroom scenes in Nampara and it was poignant to spend that last day with Eleanor in quite an intimate situation, it made sense.

Eleanor: I love Aidan; we have a very fun relationship. We work very differently which actually works really well when we are filming and is part of the reason we have such great chemistry on screen. We are fiery with each other, staying true to our characters and I will really miss working alongside him. He has been a huge part of my life and a great friend.

Poldark returns to BBC One at 9 pm on Sunday, 14 July.  Can't wait!

Related Links:
Aidan Turner Talks 'Poldark' Series Five
Eleanor Tomlinson on 'Poldark' Series Five

Source: Poldark Press Pack

In Which I go to the BFI Poldark S5 Screening and Thank Aidan Turner

It's 5th June and here I am, once again, at the BFI Southbank for a preview screening of Poldark. I've been to the preview screenings for series one to four, but today feels a little different as I'm here to see the first episode of  the fifth and final series. Different not only because it's the last season but also because, this time, it's not an adaptation of Winston Graham's books so I don't know the story lines.

I have a super seat in the theatre, in the middle near the front: Jack Farthing and Luke Norris are sitting behind me.  The film starts and I find myself swept up into the world of Poldark once more.

Episode one is fast moving. There are new characters to meet and Garrick, the dog, shows why he's a star! I particularly like George Warleggan's (Jack Farthing) story line and will be interested to see how it unfolds.

Episode one is over all too soon, but that means it's time for the Q&A so I settle back into my seat. Aidan Turner, Jack Farthing, Luke Norris and Ellise Chappell, along with writer Debbie Horsfield and executive producer Karen Thrussell, make up the panel.

Here are some snippets:

• Series five attempts to fill in some of the gaps in the ten years between book seven, The Angry Tide and book eight, The Stranger from the Sea.  It explains how Ross goes from being a Member of Parliament and mine owner in book seven to, ten years later, being on a special mission for the British Government in Portugal. Debbie follows Winston Graham's tradition of using actual historical events and people who might have entered the story, in her script. Kitty (Kerri McLean) and Ned (Vincent Regan), who we meet in the first episode, were both real people.

Aidan Turner

• Aidan found it an exciting series to shoot as he didn't have a clue what to expect until he read the script. "There's quite a bit of action for Ross this time," he says,"There's a lot going on with Ned: he made it very exciting for Ross this year."  Aidan loves doing the physical scenes but does he get nervous doing the sword fights? "Not nervous but - they were steel swords. You just kind of commit and hope everything will be fine. If you're too careful it looks like it's careful."

• Ross and Ned's friendship impacts on Dwight (Luke Norris) and there's some animosity between Ross and Dwight, which was fun for Luke to play. "There's a bit of edge between the two of them," Luke says. There are new challenges for George (Jack Farthing) as he reels from Elizabeth's (Heida Reed) death.

• Aidan says the final day on set, "...was quite poignant. The last day was just myself and Eleanor (Tomlinson) doing some of the bedroom scenes. It was quite intimate. It was quite lovely and it made sense that it was just the two of us."

Luke Norris

• The actors all took souvenirs from the set.  Luke took George Warleggan's writing box which he gave to be auctioned for Cornwall Air Ambulance. It raised £1000.  Jack took a black suit but he didn't know why, "...it was just sooo fitted." Ellise took a shell bracelet (ahhh) and an antique book with winter primroses pressed in it.  Aidan took Nampara's kitchen table and benches! "They're in my house in London," he laughs, "Looks pretty perfect."

• Luke's stand-out moment came after Dwight's escape from Quimper when he was lying in a rowing boat on the river on a glorious day. The only down-side was he wore a stick-on beard. The other actors were working so hard rowing the boat; Aidan was sweating and Luke was just lying there!

Jack Farthing

• Going back five years, Aidan was, "pretty nervous," on the first day. He says, "Nerves aren't always your best friend in this game. That's something I've learnt to deal with better. I've learnt to settle down and concentrate better." Debbie remembers Aidan being, "...really quite fierce," just on that initial day and Aidan thinks he has become, "...a little bit nicer."

• Everyone agreed they would miss the cast and crew who all worked so hard on the show and Jack feels that, "being at the heart of popular show was amazing." They had been, "undeservedly lucky," and says he will miss, "people really liking what I'm doing."

Screening over, I make my way upstairs to the Blue Room where I'm invited for drinks (thank you, Mammoth Screen - x). Aidan is standing in the foyer talking to Poldark's publicity people, Lisa and Hannah, when the Radio Times journalist, Alison Graham, comes up and gives him a hug. I walk on into the Blue Room. This is my third Poldark drinks party and it is certainly the busiest. The place is buzzing and there are lots of cast members and crew here. I make a note to return later, but for now I walk back through the foyer and there I am, in a quiet space, alone - with Aidan Turner.

Aidan Turner at the BFI

"How have you been? Have you been well?" he asks me and I hear myself squeak a reply of, "Fine, just fine." I know Aidan's unlikely to hang around for long. He has, after all, spent the afternoon doing interviews and social media for Poldark, prior to  the screening. So, getting my act together,  I come straight to the point and thank him for looking after me so well on my visits the set of Poldark. He smiles and says, "That's sweet," and, "I remember it well, I do,"  I've written before about my visit during the filming of series three, but we talked about when I was there and they were filming the mining scenes for series two. They were fun scenes to shoot and Aidan was just so - well - masterful! When I'd commented about this to him at the time he'd said, "Yeah. I'm a cocky b*st*rd," which had really made me laugh! 
But back to today and, as Aidan's not rushing off, I tell him I loved The Lieutenant of Inishmore. His face lights up at the mention of the play. It's obviously still close to his heart. "You came to see the play, of course," he says, "Aw, you're so good, so good."  With time running out I wish him all the best and he thanks me and tells me to take care.  While he goes to the guest lift,  I run down the stairs, stopping only to take a photo of my friend, Jo, with Luke Norris.  I dash outside and am just in time to see Aidan signing autographs before getting into the car to go. What a mad few minutes!

And what a fantastic way to round off my whole Poldark experience, perfectly.

Related links:

Pics from the 'Poldark' S5 BFI Preview
Letters, Puddings and Drama: On the Set of 'Poldark' Series 3

'Poldark' S5 Preview Screening at BFI

Poldark S4 BFI Preview Screening

Update 10 May: BFI posted this notice: We regret that Jack Farthing is now unable to attend the Q&A but we are delighted to welcome from the cast Ellise Chappell, who plays Morwenna.

Poldark series five is to get a preview screening at London's BFI Southbank this June!

The 61 minute first episode will be shown and Aidan Turner, Luke Norris and Jack Farthing will be there for the Q&A along with screenwriter Debbie Horsfield.

The event will take place on Wednesday 5 June at 6.15pm. Tickets are available from the BFI website from 9/10 May at 11.30 am for BFI champions/members and 17 May at 11.30 am for non-members. Tickets are limited to two per booker.

Details and tickets are available from the BFI website.

Aidan Turner on Poldark and Beyond

In an interview with Collider for the film The Man who Killed Hitler and then the Bigfoot, Aidan Turner talks about leaving Poldark and his future plans.

Asked about how it felt now Poldark is completed Aidan said:

It’s really strange, and it’s only just happened. Today is Monday (February 4, 2019) and we wrapped on Friday (February 1, 2019) in the UK. So, I wrapped and then flew over to Los Angeles, so to be honest, it’s quite a fresh experience. I’m still just adjusting. It’s been a very long time and, obviously, a very big job for me. Even though it hasn’t been all of the year, it takes six months to shoot the show, and then there are a lot of press engagements and things like post-production ADR, so the entire job takes a lot of the year, maybe seven months, in total. And I’m in most of the scenes, so it’s a very busy job. So, maybe it’s a little early to answer that question for me. I don’t know quite how it feels yet. It doesn’t quite feel real. It feels like I’ve got to have a sleep after this movie tonight, wake up tomorrow morning, and put a tricorn hat back on and jump on a horse. It doesn’t feel like it’s quite over yet. But that being said, it does feel like we naturally came to an end. I know there are some more books that Winston Graham has written, and they happen a lot later in Ross’ life, about 15 years down the road, or even a little bit longer, so it just feels like we’ve naturally come to an end with it. I’m very proud of our show and what we’ve achieved, and the demographic of the audience that we’ve managed to obtain by putting on this show. It’s been a real success, and I’m glad that we got to finish the stories as far as we could go with it. I think we’re all very proud of the show, but like everything, there does come a time to move on, and naturally, we had to. It’s nice that we got to finish the stories, and that we didn’t have to finish early or compromise, in any way. I think we’ve done a great job, and the fifth series is looking like it might be one of the strongest. It’s a strange feeling to speak to you and, for the first time, actually hear somebody else, who’s not part of the production, say that it’s finished and all over. It’s odd, but I think we’re all ready to take on the next project.

Would Aidan consider another period piece?

I think, if the material is appealing, all bets are off. I don’t think it matters, necessarily, what the genre is. If the script is really strong, and you feel like a character appeals to you and the story appeals to you, that’s it. I think it becomes difficult terrain for an actor, when you start to choose based on what era you want to perform in. Maybe for some actors it works okay, but I don’t know. I find that troubling because you could miss out on some of the really good stuff, if you don’t want to, for instance, play in a 19th century period drama, or you’ve done something that’s Victorian, so you don’t want to anymore, or particular parts of American history don’t appeal to you, so you decide not to read a script based on that. I think that can be tricky because you can miss a lot of good stuff that comes through. So, no, I don’t really look at it that way. It’s gonna be nice, for the first time in years, I’m actually available completely and my schedule is free, to meet some people, read some scripts, and just see what’s out there now, and then make some judgements based on that, as opposed to narrowing down my search results, as a result of me not wanting to put on a tricorn hat again or a piece of costume, or whatever. I’m just gonna see what’s out there. It’s an exciting time.

Lieutenant of Inishmore

Does he have any projects planned?

No, I don’t. I was out on the West End, doing a Martin McDonagh play (“The

Lieutenant Of Inishmore”). Martin McDonagh is one of my favorite writers, and I did a play in the West End, right before I started the fifth and last series of Poldark. I really enjoyed that. There’s a possibilities of getting back on stage quite soon and doing something. There’s the possibility of maybe working stateside for a little while, but I just don’t know. For years, I’ve been very lucky and I’ve had jobs lined up. I could work around Poldark with different things, like this great Bob Krzykowski movie. I could squeeze all of these in because I had time, but it was always a tight squeeze. I had to be careful of getting a haircut, or of losing weight, or of putting on weight, or even simple things like what country I would be in because I would need to get to fittings. So, right now, it’s nice to have that freedom. I think a little break is probably not a bad thing for me, just to consider where I’ll be going from here. It’s nice to be free, for the first time in awhile, to see what’s out there, as opposed to the usual actor thing that will probably never go away, which is the constant fear of never working again, or the fear of just having to take jobs because jobs present themselves. I can enjoy a position, even for a small amount of time, where I don’t have to do that.

Would he like to do Broadway?

Yeah, I really would love to. There’s always a possibility, when you do a play that’s successful on a West End production, that you could get a transfer. There was a possibility in the pipeline, when we were doing our show, but with dates and other things, we were going to lose some actors and it was just gonna be quite difficult. That would be an amazing thing to do. I think you’d struggle to find an actor on the planet who hasn’t got that on a bucket list of some sort, where they want to do at least a small run of a Broadway play. That would be quite cool, but it’s just finding the right job, at the right time. It’s definitely something that I would strongly consider.

Read the full interview here: http://collider.com/the-man-who-killed-hitler-and-then-the-bigfoot-interview-aidan-turner/#poster

Jack Farthing and Luke Norris at the Radio Times Covers Party

It was the Radio Times Covers Party last week and Jack Farthing (George Warleggan) and Luke Norris (Dwight Enys) were there to collect the Poldark cover along with screen writer Debbie Horsfield and executive producer Karen Thrussell.

Here are some pics from the night.

Photo: Official Poldark

Radio Times

Radio Times

Radio Times

Related Links:

Radio Times Covers Party 2016'Poldark' Pics from Radio Times Covers PartyAidan Turner talks 'Poldark' Series Four Air Date and Series FiveRadio Times Covers Party: A Street View

Debbie Horsfield and Karen Thrussell on 'Poldark' 5 and Beyond

Poldark screen writer Debbie Horsfield talks to Radio Times about series 5.

Executive Producer Karen Thrussell says there may be more Poldark after series 5.

It's a Wrap!

Karen Thrussell and Michael Ray with Aidan and Eleanor
Photo: Official Poldark

Filming on the fifth and final series of Poldark wrapped today, leaving us all with a bittersweet feeling. Sad that this is the final series but happy that we have the drama itself to look forward to later in the year.

Photo: Official Poldark

It was first announced the Aidan Turner would play Ross in a new adaptation of Poldark back in February 2014. Since then, this blog has followed the show from the first read through and start of filming in April 2014 to today's wrap.  And what a journey it has been!  Not only have we had a fabulous drama to enjoy but we've been treated to behind-the-scenes pictures and videos and many fans have watched the filming on location and attended premieres, preview screenings, festivals and even set visits. It's all been great fun!

Poldark readthrough 2014

Thank you Aidan and Eleanor and all the cast for bringing the characters from Winston Graham's much-loved books to life; thank you Debbie Horsfield and Mammoth Screen for such a great adaptation and thank you to all the crew who have worked so hard behind the scenes.

The last day of filming inevitably brings some sorrow yet we can be heartened knowing that, while we came into the fandom because we liked the show, it is the friendships we have formed with other fans that will see us through this day and beyond. Thank you all!

Here are some 'last day/week' pics from the cast:

ElliseChappell as Morwenna

Harry Richardson as Drake

Gabriella Wilde plays Caroline

Ross and Valentine via vonda_barnes

Eleanor Tomlinson, Kerri McLean and Gabriella Wilde at the wrap party

Related links:
First Look at 'Poldark' Series 5
Aidan Turner is Poldark
Eleanor and Aidan at the Poldark Read-through
On the Set of 'Poldark' Series 3

First Look at 'Poldark' Series 5

The BBC started the year with a treat for Poldark fans: a glimpse of Aidan Turner as Ross in series five, coming in 2019. As yet, there is no air date for this the final series, but this peek hints there's plenty to look forward to. Meanwhile, in Bristol and the West country, filming continues...

Catch a quick look at Poldark at 16 and 21 seconds on the video. Here are a couple of stills from the trailer.

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

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.

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 [email protected] by Monday 10 September if you'd like to book a place.

Click here for more information.

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!

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?

Aidan Turner Talks Poldark Series Four

Aidan Turner Poldark S4

Ross Poldark embarks on a political journey to Westminster in the upcoming series of Poldark. Aidan Turner explains how his rebellious character has taken on the mantle of responsibility...

‘Ross realises that an opportunity to get to London represents the only way he can make change happen. Cornwall is too far away from where the decisions are made and although Ross has a lot of influence there and people listen to him, change doesn’t happen fast enough. He is starting to realise that people are attracted to his energy and they listen to him because he is this bridge between the working class and the gentry; he is well educated but he understands the plight of the workingman.

‘With the likes of George Warleggan (Jack Farthing) setting himself up in Westminster Ross realises that he needs to go to fight these kinds of people, not just George but what George represents. It is an important time in Britain; William Pitt has just gone into power at the age of 24, making him the youngest Prime Minister ever, William Wilberforce is pushing the bill to abolish slavery and to close some of the poor houses, to end child labour, there is a campaign to increase wages and the standard of living and these were all things that Ross cares about but it can’t be done from Cornwall so Westminster is where he needs to be.’

Aidan immersed himself within the history of the period as part of his research for this series...

‘I have always found the political history of this period interesting, especially finding out about William Pitt and William Wilberforce and what they campaigned for. It’s hard to believe that there were so many people who were opposed to it all and who were trying to shut these conversations down. As an actor getting to make speeches about important matters like these, in this setting, it fills you with a sense of empowerment. You get an idea of what it would have been like at the time. It is surreal to be up there talking about backing Wilberforce in his bill to abolish slavery. It makes you realise that this all happened only a little over 200 years ago and that is really only a small blip in the scale of time.

‘The actual slavery abolition act wasn’t passed until 1833 and even at that time there was huge opposition towards it, which is 40 years after Ross and Wilberforce present these ideas in the House of Commons. These men were also trying to eradicate capital punishment, which at the time was freely used for petty crime. I’ve done my fair share of research because when you are given these political speeches as Ross Poldark you want to know what is going on. It seems surreal to make those speeches and have people opposing what you’re saying. You just think, how could this not be the way forward, but that is what happened, these great people did get up and speak and rally support for these bills and thank God they did.’

This series we see Ross and his persistent rival, George Warleggan thrust against each other in a very different environment.

‘It is always fun working with Jack but it is especially fun for us as actors to do it this time opposite each other in the House of Commons. It was nice to see him across the room and just think we have made it all the way from the first series, throwing ourselves around bars and taverns and now we are sitting in the House of Commons staring each other down. Those kinds of moments are always great.’

And Aidan enjoyed briefly filming in London...

'We shot exteriors for the Houses of Parliament which was a lot of fun. It was fun to be in London and made it feel very real. That day was also with James Wilby who plays Falmouth and we have a really good working relationship. The characters of Lord Falmouth and Ross have a growing relationship themselves, which is always fun to explore. Ross didn’t fully trust Falmouth at the beginning, I think Falmouth said something like ‘Ross you are about liberty, equality and fraternity and I am about fraternity, less about liberty and nothing to do with equality’ but slowly they begin to agree on things and Ross turns Falmouth around. They have this father son relationship which was enjoyable to play out and James is a great actor to work with.'

Ross has another rival this year, in the form of Monk Adderley (Max Bennett).

‘Monk represents everything that Ross hates, he is corrupt and has likely acquired his political position through nepotism rather than hard work, Monk is mostly involved in politics for the social scene and rarely bothers to show up to the House of Commons. Ross and Monk immediately get off on the wrong foot and it is funny to play that situation where you just don’t trust someone from the get go - he doesn’t trust Ross and Ross doesn’t trust him. They clash straight away and whilst it is never really spoken about, they have this unsaid hatred for each other from the very beginning until it reaches a dramatic end.’

Aidan reveals Ross’s emotional reaction to the events that unfolded at the end of last series between Demelza and Lieutenant Hugh Armitage (Josh Whitehouse).

Joshua Whitehouse and Eleanor Tomlinson Poldark S3

‘Ross is not entirely sure what has or hasn’t happened with Hugh and Demelza but regardless, this affects him a lot because he realises there were more emotions involved than if it was just a fleeting attraction. He sees that Demelza has fallen for Hugh and he understands what this is about because he has been through the same experience with Elizabeth. He knows it is complicated and that there is a lot at stake.

'Ross doesn’t want to lose Demelza, he realises how fragile their relationship is and how awfully he has treated her and what it feels like to be at the other end of that, which is something he has never experienced before. Ross sometimes need those wake up calls as he is not always aware how he effects other people and it isn’t until something happens where the tables are turned and he is confronted with that same action himself that he realises what he has done.

'Emotionally Ross has always been inarticulate, he is not always sure how to talk about his feelings and this is difficult for him because he doesn’t know quite what to say. At heart he knows that Hugh is a good man and Demelza is someone he not only loves but also greatly admires so it is a wakeup call for him and it is very difficult. He is confused by all of that and he feels scared to lose her and his family, so it is a very tentative time.’

Aidan explains that audiences will see Ross and Demelza slowly working their way back to each other this series.

‘This series they spend weeks apart whilst Ross is in London which was strange as they are usually together so often and during filming there were huge gaps where Eleanor and I didn’t see each other so it felt like it played out for real. When we did get back together, when Ross invites Demelza to London and they spend a week there together, it was lovely to reunite.

'It felt like their second honeymoon, they go out on boats and they go the Vauxhall pleasure gardens and to the theatre and meet up with friends and it felt like the early days of their relationship. They didn’t really get to do any of that in the first place so it felt like something was reignited there. It was nice for Ross to have fun again with Demelza, and to find that love again was important because that had been lost for quite a while. They have been through so much and they have allowed themselves to get really bogged down with life so much so that they forgot to have a good time in between but they find that again this series which was lovely.’

Poldark returns to BBC One on 10 June.

Source: BBC Media Centre

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