Justin Bieber’s full-frontal reveal, Kim Kardashian’s champagne-drenched bottom… a few saucy images have threatened to break the internet in recent times, and we’re going to add topless Poldark to that list. Yes, THAT image of a bare-chested Aidan Turner sweating up a storm as he lustily scythed his way through a pesky field of corn (or something) fast became the tablet wallpaper of choice for millions of us across the country.
When BBC1 first screened its modern take on an old ’70s show about an army officer-turned-would-be-copper-magnate, no one predicted how stratospherically popular both it and its main star would become. But millions of us tuned in to watch noble mining man Ross wrangle with class constraints, family wars, simmering jealousies and the love of two feisty women.
Series 2 will hit screens in 2016, but, in the meantime, here’s all you need to know about Ross Poldark, Demelza Carnee and the rest. Spoilers ahead…
When will the second series of Poldark be aired?
There’s no date yet, but filming is scheduled to end in April 2016, and the BBC doesn’t tend to put its biggest hitters on over the summer, so expect it to be the flagship drama of autumn 2016.
How many episodes will be in Poldark 2?
Two more than were in Poldark 1. The canny producers have commissioned ten episodes this season, banking on the fact that we want to feast our eyes upon Aidan Turner for as long (and as often) as possible.
Are there any sex scenes in season 2?
The short – and excellent – answer to this is, yes. Viewers couldn’t get enough of the nudity and raunch the first time round, and Aidan Turner has confirmed that he will indeed be shedding his clothes - more than once - for some, ahem, bedroom action aka SEX SCENES.
Does Poldark really love Demelza?
While Ross and Demelza were undoubtedly happy in the early days, Elizabeth always cast a shadow over the relationship. As the class gulf between Ross and Demelza became more apparent, Ross was increasingly drawn to his ex-fiancée, who had by then realised she’d SO chosen the wrong cousin to take up the aisle.
Does Poldark stay with Demelza?
Early photos released from the set of series 2 show Ross and Demelza together, but we all know happiness doesn’t last long for gloomy Ross. Sexual tensions between him and Elizabeth simmered below the surface for most of series 1, increasing as Ross and Demelza became estranged over her interference in the Verity/Captain Blamey affair, and Elizabeth’s marriage to feckless fool Francis broke down.
Does Poldark end up with Elizabeth?
Despite Ross declaring Demelza to be the love of his life, there was THAT shocking kiss with Elizabeth at the end of series 1. And Aidan Turner has suggested the course of true love/fancying your ex definitely doesn’t run smooth in series 2, cryptically declaring, “All I can say is that love is a very complex thing. It is so deep and there are so many layers.” That clears that up, then…
Does Poldark get with anyone else?
This one’s the real shocker! Ross and Demelza’s marriage gets bumpy and BOTH of them end up having extra-marital liaisons along the way. Eleanor Tomlinson, who plays Demelza, revealed that there’ll be “heart wrenching affairs." Oh dear…
Does Poldark end up with Demelza?
We can’t guarantee the BBC won’t do the same as HBO's Game Of Thrones and start deviating wildly from the source material, so don’t place any bets. But, in the novels, they have four children over 20 years, so presumably they weather the storm and reunite at some point.
What else happens in series 2?
Framed by the dastardly George Warleggan, Ross goes on trial for murder, theft and inciting a riot – crimes that could see him hang (although we are going to guess he wriggles out of that); Demelza gives birth to a son; Ross and Francis join forces to start a new mine; and a host of new characters arrive to stir up trouble.
Did Poldark’s daughter die?
Sadly, Poldark and Demelza lost daughter Julia in the series 1 finale. In heart-wrenching scenes, Demelza was taken ill after saving the life of Elizabeth’s baby, leaving her own child to die from diphtheria. Bereft, Ross cradled his baby as she slipped away, washing us all away in a tide of tears, before carrying her coffin on his shoulder across the sweeping Cornish countryside. At that moment, 5.9million hearts broke in unison.
Does Poldark die?
We don’t have any facts on this one, but what we can say is that there are 12 novels in the series, and this current incarnation of Poldark has been tentatively commissioned for five more series. Poldark without actual Poldark? We just can’t see that happening…
Will there be a third series?
We think so, yes. As mentioned, there are 12 novels – the first seven are set in the 18th century, while the remaining five cover the 19th century, and follow the lives of the children of the main characters. As long as viewing figures stay high, there is plenty of material there.
Is Aidan Turner single?
At the height of Poldark-mania, Aidan Turner was reported to be engaged to his long-term partner, actress Sarah Greene. But in October 2015, several reports suggested the pair had split. The official line was “No immediate comment”. Unofficially, we can all live in hope.
Is Aidan Turner gay?
Only in the minds of some fan-fictioners. When compiling this list, we stumbled across some totally raunchy mocked-up pictures that had us blushing furiously. Googling along the lines of ‘Aidan Turner topless’ plus 'Being Human' will open up a whole other world…
Was Aidan Turner a hobbit?
You will be forgiven for not immediately recognising Aidan in his biggest screen role to date – as Kili the dwarf in The Hobbit. Talking about the role, Aidan said, “Kili is reckless. He’s maybe a bit too cool sometimes. [He is] only four-foot-something, but packs a serious punch."
Aiden Turner was in Being Human, right? In loads of sex scenes? As a vampire?
Aidan’s breakout role was as vampire Mitchell in Being Human, alongside werewolf Russell Tovey and ghostly Lenora Crichlow. The series ran for five seasons, from 2008 to 2013. Aidan spent a lot of time sitting around shirtless and bloodied, and there are a few saucy sex scenes in Being Human, so it is well worth a watch.
