We chat with Aidan Turner, dashing star of Cornish drama Poldark
On location in the West Country, Aidan Turner talks to TV Times about the return of the Cornish swashbuckler
Poldark sunday / bbc1 / 9.00Pm
Aidan Turner is a breath of fresh air. Since taking on the coveted role of swashbuckling hero Ross Poldark in BBC1’S hit Cornish costume saga Poldark in 2015, Aidan has become a household name and a sex symbol across the globe.
It would be easy to understand if all that attention had changed him. But, we are pleased to report, when TV Times meets the cast during filming of the much-anticipated third series, we find Aidan as friendly, goodhumoured and candid as he was when we met him before series one aired.
For those of you wondering, he is even more handsome in the flesh! Aidan, who turns 34 on 19 June, beams with pride as he promises us that this nine-part series is going to be the most explosive yet...
The story has moved to 1794 and ross faces new battles, new family members and new loves, as the French revolution casts a long shadow over life at nampara. Tell us more, Aidan… It’s a huge year and very exciting, as there are many fresh faces. There’s lots in store for Ross, and you really feel he and wife Demelza are growing in their relationship. It doesn’t seem that long ago since Ross took in this urchin to work in his kitchen, so it’s great to see where they are now.
The second series ended with ross and demelza (played by eleanor Tomlinson) back in each other’s arms after the fallout from his controversial night with first love elizabeth (Heida reed).
Has demelza almost leaving him changed their
relationship?
I don’t think Ross ever imagined she would go, so when she had her bags packed, that’s when the severity of what he did hit home. He was very lucky that Demelza hung on. Realising how he could lose her, Ross is now cautious and listens to her more in this series. She tends to be right most of the time, far more often than he is.
it sounds as though ross is a changed man for series three… Yes, he’s growing up and isn’t getting into the same sort of tussles that he did with his nemesis George [Warleggan]. His decisions are now more measured, but he still does things that are outrageous – that’s why we love him!
with elizabeth now pregnant, the question of paternity hangs over them as ross wonders if her unborn baby belongs to him or george – now elizabeth’s husband. will we learn who the daddy is? [Laughing] I can’t say anything!
ok! so, given the success of the first two series, is there more pressure with the third one?
Not really, I’ve never felt pressure. I keep my head out of that bit. It’s great that the show is popular and it’s nice to come back on the first day of a new series knowing that. I only feel the pressure when trying not to fall off my horse!
did you pass on any words of wisdom to the new cast members about handling such a big show? Don’t look me in the eye when we are on set – and I told them how I like my coffee. That’s a joke! Any advice? I’m not sure I’m in a position to give advice to anyone – they’re all fairly experienced, they’re taking it in their stride and they’re smashing.
why do viewers love ross?
He’s flawed, but also courageous and always helping people; he’s not a selfish person. He’s not lazy and never rests on his laurels, either, which is what I like most about him.
would you go for a drink with him? Yeah – he’s a fine person, a man of principle, and he has a great sense of humour. Plus, he’s a good drinker so it’d be a decent night!