Poldark first premiered on BBC One over a decade ago, bringing to life Winston Graham’s beloved novels. Set between 1781 and 1801, the series was shot in picturesque Somerset and followed the story of Ross Poldark, a British Army veteran of the American Revolutionary War. Upon returning to his home in Cornwall, Ross discovers his father has passed away, leaving the family estate in ruins. Determined, he sets out to rebuild his fortune amid personal and social upheaval.
The series garnered critical acclaim throughout its five-season run, earning a nomination for the National Television Award for Best Period Drama. Here is an update on some of the key cast members and where their careers have taken them since.
Irish actor Aidan Turner, now 43, who played Ross Poldark, went on to star as Leonardo in the Italian series of the same name. In 2024, he joined the cast of the Disney+ hit Rivals, portraying journalist Declan O’Hara. Turner is also working on two feature films: the epic biblical drama The Way of the Wind and the monster movie Grendel. In his personal life, he married actress Caitlin FitzGerald in August 2020, and the couple welcomed their first child in January 2022.
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Looking back on his role as Ross, Turner revealed in a 2025 interview with Star Sessions that he was initially unfamiliar with the story. “It worked out well for me that I wasn’t aware of Poldark or what it was,” he said. “I Googled it when the offer came in. Like, literally was given the scripts, given the books, and they were like, ‘Do you want to play this part?’ And I was like, ‘Can you give me 10 minutes?’ I went, ‘Jesus Christ, that’s Poldark. B***** h***.’ I didn’t know what it was. If I did know, I might have felt that pressure. But, you know, coming to late, I didn’t.”
Eleanor Tomlinson, 34, portrayed Demelza, Poldark’s maid-turned-wife. She has since appeared in the BBC comedy drama The Outlaws and starred in productions such as The Couple Next Door, One Day, and The Fortune. Tomlinson was in a relationship for about a year with her Poldark co-star Harry Richardson, who played Drake Carne, before they parted ways in 2018. She previously dated equestrian Ben Atkinson, who worked as a stunt double for Aidan Turner, for two years. In July 2022, she married rugby player Will Owen, and the couple had their first child in February 2025.
Pip Torrens, 66, brought to life the character Cary Warleggan, a successful banker. His recent work includes roles in Down Cemetery Road and Renegade Nell. Since 2019, Torrens has contributed his voice talents to video games, featuring in Elden Ring and Directive 8020.
Tristan Sturrock, 58, hailing from Cornwall, played Captain Zacky Martin, a friend of Poldark. In early 2026, he was cast as Captain Smollet in the upcoming series Treasure Island. His more recent credits include Bunker, Industry, and The Death of Bunny Munro. Sturrock is married to actress and director Katy Carmichael, and together they have three children, including their daughter Bronte Carmichael, who is also an actress.
Vincent Regan, 61, a Welsh actor, portrayed Edward Despard, an Irish soldier and abolitionist in Poldark. Among his recent roles, Regan appeared as John Harris in the acclaimed BBC series Shetland and took on the role of Rickard Thorne in House of the Dragon. Reflecting on his casting in Shetland, he said, “I’m thrilled to be joining the cast of Shetland, which is such a beloved BBC drama. My character and his family are at the heart of this dark and twisting storyline, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it all unfolds. The opportunity to visit the Shetland Isles was also a real pull to the part, as well as working with the likes of Ashley Jensen and Alison O’Donnell.” His character in Shetland was portrayed as an upstanding, moral, and stoic recently widowed mussel farmer.
For those wishing to revisit the series, Poldark is currently available to stream on Netflix.