Poldark series 5: Everything you need to know as the hit period drama returns

The series could be the last outing for the scythe-wielding hero 

Everyone’s favourite scythe-wielding mine owner is back as Poldark returns for a fifth series.

The much-loved period drama, which is based upon the novels of Winston Graham, has won over legions of dedicated fans since its debut in 2015 and made huge stars of Aidan Turner (Ross Poldark) and Eleanor Tomlinson (Demelza).

Picking up just a few months after the emotional turmoil of series four, the new episodes see Ross embroiled in yet more political intrigue and personal drama as he struggles to reconcile his duties in London with family life in Cornwall.

Here’s everything you need to know about the show draws to a tentative conclusion.

What will happen in Poldark series five?

On-screen couple: Eleanor Tomlinson and Aidan Turner play Demelza and Ross Poldark (BBC/Mammoth Screen/Mike Hogan)
BBC

Writer Debbie Horsfield has confirmed that the series will take place between the events of books seven and eight of Graham’s saga.

Following the death of his first love Elizabeth, Ross decides to put his burgeoning political career behind him in order to focus on his family.

Things don’t stay peaceful for long, however, as an old friend from his past is in need of help, drawing Ross back to London.

Meanwhile longtime foe George Warleggan strikes up a deal that could have huge implications for Ross and his friend.

Who is in the cast of Poldark?

Drama: Ross will once again be tested in series five
BBC/Mammoth Screen/Mike Hogan

Along with Turner and Tomlinson, Jack Farthing will be returning as the villainous Warleggan while Luke Norris and Gabriella Wilde will be back as married couple Dwight and Caroline Enys.

Harry Richardson and Elise Chappell will also reprise their roles as Drake and Morwenna Carne.

Lily Dodsworth Evans, Sofia Oxenham, Freddie Wise, Kerri McLean, Vincent Regan and Peter Sullivan are among the new faces joining the drama’s ensemble cast.

When is Poldark back on TV?

The first instalment of the eight part series with debut on Sunday July 14 in the usual 9pm prime time slot.

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The remaining episodes will continue to air at the same time on Sunday evenings.

Could Poldark return for another series in the future?

Though the fifth season is the last time we’ll see Ross and co for a while, fans should keep their fingers crossed as Horsfield has admitted that “the door has been left open” for future series.

“Never say never,” she said after a recent screening. “We’ve had an amazing run but there are five books left and who knows what could happen in a few years’ time?

“The BBC would need to say that they wanted more and we’d take it from there,” she added. “The relationship with the Winston Graham estate and with the BBC has been wonderful - I like to think they wouldn’t want anyone else to do it.”

Poldark is on BBC One at 9pm on Sunday 14.

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