A hero to most, but a scourge to many, adventurer Ross Poldark returns to Cornwall with one thing on his mind: redemption. Aidan Turner (The Hobbit) brings this saintly swashbuckler to life.

Outspoken and fiercely independent, the fiery Demelza arrives as a lowly urchin, but emerges as something more.

Once Ross Poldark’s sweetheart, the stunning Elizabeth finds herself caught between duty and desire.

From The Paradise to Poldark, actress Ruby Bentall plays Verity, a loyal daughter and friend, who has often been overlooked by suitors. But when Ross Poldark shifts the status quo, her hour of love may have arrived.

Toting a silver spoon and an inferiority complex, Francis Poldark is the heir to the Poldark estate and husband of Elizabeth. When hardship strikes, can he rise to the challenge, or will cousin Ross have to save the day?

This Poldark patriarch and unofficial family-fixer is the unwavering, pragmatic glue that holds a cast of unlikely personalities together.

Quick to quip but slow to sweep, “loyal” family servant Jud has stayed with the Poldarks (and their wine) through thick and thin.

Jud’s partner-in-crime, the meddlesome Prudie can down a pint and throw a prize-worthy barb before the cock crows.

A member of the community’s most powerful family, George Warleggan is an ambitious young banker who will stop at nothing to keep his ruthless reputation.