and Ross Poldark remounts…
Today the BBC announced the name of the actor who is to play the lead in the re-working of the series first screened in 1975.
Irish actor Aidan Turner has bagged it.
Just needs to add the scar and he’s away!
Congratulations to him–I hope he has as much fun as we did filming this wild and wonderful saga written in 12 books over a sixty year period by Winston Graham.
Forty years ago this November I went for the first of three auditions for the part, knowing little about Winston Graham and less of the books.
A brief glance at the first book of the saga, Ross Poldark, was enough–I seriously wanted him to be me or vice versa.
I had to go through two more nail-biting sessions in front of producer and directors before finding myself in the position Aidan is in today….
…Cast to play Ross Poldark.
Now–two generations on–this great piece of storytelling will be enjoyed again by millions on TV and in book form.
The time is right. The wheel of fashion turns and Poldark, an unashamedly romantic tale, can be told again with a straight face.
The new series has the advantage of being adapted from original books written by an exceptionally gifted storyteller–Winston Graham.
The characters develop at their own pace and seem responsible for their own destiny.
No visible puppeteer, no obvious manipulation–just the telling of stories through the characters involved.
Aidan and I share a common debt to Winston, for giving us the chance to play a difficult, contrary, complex man often out of his time.
It’s a roller coaster of a ride!
I wish Aiden well but there will always be only one Ross Poldark and that’s you Robin. X
A wonderful and moving post Robin. How very gracious you are.
I tend to agree with Joan. You are the definitive Ross Poldark! But I too wish Aiden well in the role.
Gracious as always, Robin. I wish this Irish lad much success, but you will always be the Ross Poldark who brought excitement and drama to my young life! I was addicted to Ross and his adventures…..
Generous and insightful comments from the “Poldark” star against whom others must be measured. Well done.
Robin, you presented a gracious handing over of the Poldark torch to Aidan in your post.. You will always be Poldark to me. Angharad Rees will always be Demelza. You and Meredith are starting your visit in the US with an upcoming storm Sunday into Monday in the D.C area. Stay safe and warm!!
Wow, very gracious of you. I have to admit that I have had very mixed feelings about this remake. I really do hope to like it but I am known for being a very opinionated person that does not do well with change. It will be interesting to see it all unfold. I did not realize that there are so many books in the series. I am currently reading Demelza. I think we all sort of have our favorite versions of books to movies that we adore and those we do not, lol. I still prefer the version of Jane Eyre that starred Timothy Dalton over all the prior and more recent versions and the Pride and Prejudice for me is the one with Colin Firth, he did a fantastic job in it. I have this feeling that it will be the same for me when it comes to Poldark; only one Ross for the role — Robin Ellis. I will try to keep an open mind though. 🙂
We filmed seven books. Winston went on to write five more; the last at the age of ninety two!
I know!! He wrote his last book “Bella Poldark” in his nineties, and I have the hardback copy signed by him when he was in Fowey! He lost none of his magic, ( even at that age ) Bless Him.
I do hope that Aidan reads and appreciates your comments Robin. I will certainly watch the show but the characters will never be the same second time around. I will be waiting anxiously for the Outlander series (by Diana Gabaldon) and now for the remade Poldark series by Winston Graham to be shown, hopefully on Australian television in the near future.
I bet you and Meredith will be watching with interest Robin – any chance of a cameo for you or Donald (that gorgeous Scotsman)?
Cheers, Helen
I wrote to the Masterpiece folks, back in the nineties, begging them to mine the rich lode of Graham’s second generation books, with all of you original actors. What a gift that would have been to all of us! As I read the later volumes even today, I still see you and your colleagues, decades on, dispensing the wisdom and heartfelt growth of the characters. I still regret they missed that boat. But I am glad the series is enduringly popular, and that you are so generous in your promotion of it,
best,
NancyN
I hope they have the sense to ask you to be in it in some capacity. I think that would be so fun. There were a lot of great characters in your original. They could even ask your friend Donald Douglas also. What do you say?
Best wishes to Aiden, but he’ll never take your place in my heart! You are the Captain Ross I fell in love with all those years ago (can’t believe how many it is). This was a lovely, gracious post to welcome Aiden to the Poldark family!
nothing compares to you, Robin!
Wonderful post Robin. Exciting news about Aidan 🙂
Loved loved poldark & still do. Have read all 12 books twice. Looking forward to the new series, though you will always be the original Ross Poldark. How about playing Ross in his seventies?
All those who watched the original series and me included love you as Ross Poldark ,but now as they say the wheel has turned and a new generation will I hope become entranced by the poldark novels ,and indeed Cornwall ,I wish Aidan all the best he has a hard act to follow .
Aiden Turner may have won the role of Ross Poldark and I’m sure he will be very good, but I’m afraid for me there is only one Ross Poldark and it’s Robin Ellis.
Firstly, I can’t believe its 40 years ago since my family were glued to the TV set watching you and Angharad and secondly, Aiden Turner may be a very good Ross Poldark, but for me, they’ll only ever be one Ross Poldark and that’s Robin Ellis.
This news brought it all back to me, and I reached for my copy of Making Poldark written by Robin back in the day…..and there I found the following scribbling penned after the first series and before the second was on the horizon.
PLEA FROM A FED UP FAN
I’ve given up on points of view
– the BBC don’t have a clue.
I’ve phoned and written
begged and pleaded –
POLDARK please, it’s desperately needed!
How to make them understand
– other programs are so bland.
Can’t eat or sleep
or work or think.
Pretty soon I’ll turn to drink!
I’ve been to Cornwall, read the books
– now I’m well and truly hooked.
What can I do
to make it hap’n?
Just can’t live wi’out the Cap’n!
I’ll infiltrate the News at Ten
– urgent newsflash – POLDARK WHEN?
Now come on Beeb
you must give way.
Give us POLDARK – make our day!
I’ve written off to Mastermind
– Magnus wasn’t very kind.
My chosen subject?
nursery rhymes?
No! POLDARK please – his Life and Times!
Survival Specials just don’t do it
– give us Pascoe, Pearce and Blewett.
And loads of copper,
tin and ore.
POLDARK! POLDARK! Give us more!
POLDARK is the one for me
– there’s nothing else I want to see.
Nampara Cove is where it’s at.
Ohhh for a hero in a tricorn hat!
Can’t talk or smile or concentrate
– off my food and losing weight.
Listless, restless,
still and quiet.
The problem is this POLDARK diet!
Have you guessed it? I’m a fan
– I won’t give up, I’ll make a stand.
I’ll write again
to the BBC
They’ll soon be sick and tired of me!
As has been stated above Robin – a very gracious and generous ‘handing over of the Poldark torch’ but you made Ross your very own and Aidan has some big boots to fill. I wish him luck and look forward to seeing how this new production pans out. Good Luck to all.
Thank you Ross, sorry Robin, you were the most wonderful Poldark we can imagine but we wish the new Ross all the best and also the could be as good as you were dear Robin. Who is Demelza? May you introduce her to us?
We love Demelza too, did you have good friendship with Demelza? and with G. Worlegan? or your cousin? what about Elizabeth?, how was real life with them? How long takes you all to make the tv.serial?.
I know I ask you for too many questions but I love the serial, and we have read the seven books several times, just the same as de videos first and after the dvd., why not bluray of Poldark?, I look foward having the bluray of Poldard, with the wonderful scens restored.
Good luck to Aidan Turner, he is very handsome, may be too much?
Having two woman at home I have asked them and Cuca my wife said, Robin is my POLDARK, the other is very hansome of course but He is my real
Ross Podark, the other Isabel a Peruvian woman likes you more also, she has seen the tv serial with us last year (she haven´t see it before) and nearly fall in love with Ross, now she want to see Demelza, the new Demelza, but we like Demelza absolutely.
I have the other five books of W. Grahan in English, they are not in Spainis, and I want to read them, but it is a big task for me reading all the books in English, despite I could read them I go very slowly.
Thank you in advance, if you could write my wife Cuca, she is suffering multiple sclerosis, I would be very grateful to you dear Ross.
Her mail is cucarobledo472@gmail.com
mine is solosencasa@hotmail.com, but I prefer that you write her if you can.
we are going to be 44 years married next April 30th and Poldark forms a part of our life together.
By the way I have your book in English, and I have started to read it, it is a kindle ebook, but I would like to have your paper one signed by you my hero.
My best.
emiliano arribas perdiz.. av. Pedro Diez, 32 1 º C
28019 Madrid. Spain.
Lovely comments Robin , your dramatisation of Ross Poldark was inspirational and accurate and of course the first and till now, only portrayal of this very complex character. I think the time is right for a rebelling of these wonderful stories. The Poldark saga have been my favourite books since I was 14. Another world that I love to escape into and as long as the scriptwriters follow the story so wonderfully written by Winston Graham, this production will hopefully stand proudly alongside the books and the original tv series.
THERE CAN ONLY EVER BE ONE ROSS POLDARK AND THAT CROWN WILL ALWAYS BE WORN BY ROBIN ELLIS. I WISH AIDEN ALL THE VERY BEST AND WILL LOOK FORWARD TO THE NEW SERIES.
I had no idea there were so many books , and that was very gracious of you , I’m not sure Aidan is smoldery enough though.
Happy St. David’s day. Will keep an open mind as to how the new adaptation of Poldark is presented. A big responsibility on Aidan’s shoulders but he has the smouldering dark handsome looks of the romantic Celt. Just hope the casting of Demelza is done with equal care. Hope you’re happy to pass the baton on to the next generation.
He may play the character of Ross Poldark, but he will NEVER replace you in the heart of those that loved the series. There maybe many 007s, but there is only one Sean Connery. There will only be one Robin Ellis. Thank you for your gracious post and for my pleasant memories!
Date: Sat, 1 Mar 2014 04:16:45 +0000 To: reillyhall15@msn.com
Well said, ReillyHall! My sentiments exactly.
all good luck to the new production. your poldark was the first pbs hero in ny, so for me, the first’s the best. YOU will always be my cap’n poldark.
be safe and warm on your trip here. I’m on Long Island, ny and it’s -14C
You’re lucky Sandra, its only about 5c here in England!
Great to see another young man filling the role of Ross Poldark for a new generation. But YOU, Robin will always be My Ross Poldark. Look forward to meeting you at Big Blue Marble Bookstore next week. Safe travel and welcome to winter!!!!
Awww Robin !!! but shall we ladies of a certain age fall in love with Aidan as we did with you lol ??? Date: Sat, 1 Mar 2014 04:16:47 +0000 To: marycalder@tiscali.co.uk
There’s only one Mr Darcy and there’s only one Ross Poldark 🙂
Good luck to the ‘new Ross’ but when I read the books and close me eyes it won’t be him that I see…
I had hoped that Richard Armitage would be cast as Ross Poldark, if there had to be another, but Aidan Turner was a good choice as well.
I’m with many here today, I fell in love with Ross Poldark watching the show with my mother, on PBS here in the US. You, Robin Ellis, will always be my Ross Poldark.
Richard would have been my choice as well. He played that sort of character (only more severe) in North and South.
Robin Ellis=Ross Poldark. End of Story.
Short and sweet.
I have watched your rendition of Ross Poldark at least 4 times all the way through, ever since I was a young adult. I don’t know how they can improve on that version, but I am willing to give it a go. Good luck to the new cast and production company!
No artist paints the same scene alike.. You will always be valued for bringing your unique and treasured talent to making this character come to life. For your fans who grew up in the ’60’s-’70s generation, there will always be only one Ross Poldark:: Robin Ellis!
I wish him luck, (and my God, he’s surely going to need it to follow in your footsteps Robin!) You actually WERE Ross Poldark I could never believe otherwise! You gave a totally magical portrayal of the character in every way!
I am still reading the whole set of books for the umpteenth time, and I only ever see you, when I’m reading about Ross ! It’s the same with “Jud”… There isn’t a living soul, who could play a believable “Jud”, other than Paul Curran!! God rest his soul!
“The time is right. The wheel of fashion turns and Poldark, an unashamedly romantic tale, can be told again with a straight face.
The new series has the advantage of being adapted from original books written by an exceptionally gifted storyteller–Winston Graham.
The characters develop at their own pace and seem responsible for their own destiny.
No visible puppeteer, no obvious manipulation–just the telling of stories through the characters involved.
Aidan and I share a common debt to Winston, for giving us the chance to play a difficult, contrary, complex man often out of his time.”
Mr. Ellis — your sentiments seemed to com through in the above passage as if spoken by Captain Poldark himself.
We are all so fortunate to have shared in Winston Graham’s creation, “Poldark” — thank you and all who made it possible — it has lasted.
I wish the very best to the latest venture, but agree with the others in the hope that PBS includes you somewhere in the new presentation!
Robin you are truly a generous and a professonal actor, yes maybe the time is right for Poldark to be remade, But for me as for all the others who have wrote here there is only one Ross Poldark – a gentleman by the name of Robin Ellis
Aidan is fascination and mysterious, he’s perfect for nowadays tastes, but for me Poldark will always be Robin Ellis, the one I knew thirty-six years ago, when I was just twelve, not a child anymore, not a woman yet, my head full of dreams, of my enthusiasm for the ideals of freedom and social justice Ross embodied. Time goes on and things change, but the emotions I felt in such an important and meaningful moment of my life are unique and unforgettable. If the new series is broadcasted here in Italy it will be interesting to observe the reaction it will provoke in my kids, especially in Arianna, 16 years old and student at a high school for foreign languages, and Alessandro, 12, still at middle school. They are both dreamers and they have been told about Poldark many times by their mother (me!) so I think they will like the first one too – if only I succeed in buying the DVD version online in English or Spanish, it’s impossible to find it in Italian even though it was broadcasted in a remarkably good dubbed version.It would be a great challenge for them to watch it in its original version, especially for my daughter!
Marina
A wonderfully intense, spiritual looking new Poldark is soon to grace our screens. Just sufficiently similar to Robin to draw comparison but, I would guess, his own man. He will bring his own persona as did Robin to an interesting role. For me, expecting twins when the first series was shown, I came late to the fan club of Poldark but I have remained ever loyal and Robin brought Captain Poldark’s conflicted thinking to life with humour and passion. I will do my best to separate both captains in my mind as each performance will stand up on it’s own merit, I’m sure. I tell myself I have an open mind but no future performances will ever dim the brilliant Robin Ellis as Captain Poldark.
Well, everyone’s said it before… But you certainly are gracious!
Sent my colleagues the link to the article–they are younger gals–and one said Aiden passed the “cute” test! But no one else will have your voice, your command of the role…!
Will be nice to entice the younger generation to ‘ave a look, though–then perhaps they will discover the original.
Hope your trip is going well! Looking forward to seeing you both soon!
Cheers & hugs,
Dianne & Gene
That series is such a classic, and the caste so perfectly done. Just as I can’t imagine a remake of GONE WITH THE WIND, I have a difficult time imagining a remake of Poldark with anyone other that you and Angharad Rees who gave such a sense of reality to the series, it seemed as though one were “looking in” on the life of these people. Who could possibly recreate that? Eileen Thomas, Lakeville, Minnesota
Thank you for your gracious message but like everyone that has replied he will never have your command of that role. They did try to do a sequel to GONE WITH THE WIND years ago that was dismal. Who will ever be the amazing couple you created with Angharad Rees? I know they will have the audience however for this show
Dear Robin Ellis,
Just rewatched all of the original Poldark and it holds up so well! Many memories from watching it years ago. This is good news and sad news, too. I hope this new series encourages people to go back and watch “yours.” I can’t believe it’s been 40 years, but given that you are only a few years older than I, it must be. Oh well.
Really enjoy your stories (especially about your cats. I have 4), and recipes and your joie de vivre. Used to live in Cannes, near where you are now I believe, and miss it. But there are also wonderful things here in southwestern New Hampshire to enjoy. So be well both of you, and I’m glad to see you are happy for young Mr. Turner and the adventures that he now faces.
Melissa Sutherland
I think some are too harsh on Aidan being the new Ross Poldark. I mean, it hasn’t aired yet! It is really unfear to judge him without seeing one single episode..If people will be this judgemental from the very beginning, I am afraid they will shut their eyes for this remake for good. If I have to speak on my behalf, I never heard anything about Poldark till this time. I strongly believe, Aidan will connect my generation with this wonderful story. Mr. Robin Ellis was a wonderful Poldark as I watched some video clips on youtube ( I also ordered the dvd’s). Aidan will be a different Poldark. Try to see this from a different point of view. I really can relate to people who can not image anyone else playing Poldark than Mr. Robin Ellis. But why comparing these two actors already?
And about Aidan being casted as Poldark, just because he is ‘cute’ and has ‘good looks’. Really? People have full right to not like him or find him incapable but how many knows who is Aidan? How he can act? I know his acting and for me his acting comes at the first place than his ‘good looks’ Yes, I am sure there are fans who likes him just because he is handsome but I am not one of them. Just because he has good looks doesn’t mean he can’t act. He is a good looking yes, he can’t change that. On top of this, the producers said he was the one and only choice to play Poldark. I think they have enough experience to know who can play Poldark and who not. They sure know what they are doing.
Lastly, Aidan won’t try to replace Mr. Robin Ellis. This is not what Aidam aims for. He will try to give Poldark a new look. I am sure he will play Ross Poldark perfectly, he is a talented actor. People need to give him a try. Why won’t you?
I am truly thankful to Mr.Robin Ellis for his kind words about Aidan. Thanks a lot for bringing Poldark alive. He will follow your footsteps, thank you sir 🙂
You never disappoint, Robin, a gentleman onscreen and off. Since I haven’t read the last four or five books in the series, I was wondering if there may be a possibility of your reprising Ross in later life (did he last that long?) or maybe a sly shift to a terribly wicked character? Safe travels, stay well, and please be sure and let us know if they offer you a part in the new series or anything. Always ready to see your acting prowess on display.
When I asked my teenage daughter if she knew this Aidan Turner she replied, “Oh, he’s the hot dwarf from the Hobbit -he’s great!” So I guess a new generation will fall for the new Ross Poldark and the producers know what they are doing. It will be nice to watch the stories with her, but I do hope the producers are savy enough to include you in one of the roles, to make fans of the original Ross happy, too.
Have they not given you a part in the new Poldark series? We’d all like to see you again on the BBC.
Am very excited as I watched it the first time round , loved it and very specially met Winston Graham’s daughter recently . Am also member of a Book Club so hope to re read the novels .was very much “taken ” by you Mr Ellis and think you have written beautifully about the new series .
I still will have to see the series (it will take a while before I see it because can’t get BBC for the moment and the question will be if Belgium TV ever will purchaise…so in a years time I will buy a new computer (sound system don’t work anymore this is a vista so a clip on youtube I can’t hear) and then I will give my full opinion and mabe even purchaise it in the shop.But for the moment I stay by my first inpression (sorry Aidan) Robin & Ion (he was the good one to follow you up Robin).I hope at least that they put you Robin in a cameo (short vue).Hughs Chantal xxxx.
Best of luck to Mr Turner filling some very tall boots.
If the new one turns people on to the original how can I complain?
Hi Robin Aidan has big shoes to fill (no pressure). I will look forward to seeing the series Although I’m still a loyal fan of the old series . Hope you ,Meredith and your beautiful pussycats are all well. Keep the recipes coming. Regards from down under Megan
Sent from my iPad
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Well, congratulations to the actor cast for the remake. I hope the younger generation will enjoy it. But for me the original series will always be how I picture the characters and will continue to be the one I watch. A true classic!
I stumbled upon this post as I like Robin’s cooking and country lifestyle. I just revisited the series after 40 years off Amazon Instant last week… As a young man i was entertained by this saga but am now in awe of the mastery of the entire cast by understanding the layers of complexity thru age which made this a true masterpiece. How Robin accomplished this level of depth so early on was amazing. I am sure we all have something to look forward to in the future portrayal of Winston’s creation…great saga can’t wait!! Mike Hell Michigan USA
Very well said!!
I have mixed feelings about yet another remake – and particularly of “Poldark”, which was just SO good. I don’t think there is any room for improvement!
I first watched the series as a young child, and then read all the books, and of course I pictured you as Poldark and all the other actors as their respective characters.
I own the DVD set of the original series, and I look forward to viewing the remake. I do agree, however, that Robin has set a very, very high bar with which to measure the portrayal of Ross Poldark. It was love at first sight when I saw Poldark for the first time back in 1979.
My daughter called me this evening to tell me this news. Now, while appreciate any chance to bring Graham’s wonderful series to even more people, there will only ever be one Ross Poldark, and I’m certain I’m not the only person who will be measuring the performances in this adaptation, to the first and best that won our hearts all those many years ago, and got me reading all of the series. I hope this causes the entire series of novels to be re-issued as well. I was 19 when I first watched Poldark. I hope they don’t go all Hollywood, shiny, happy, clappy. The original perfectly captured the imaginings of a reader. And when I first found the series on dvd, I shared it with my daughter, and she fell in love with the stories and characters as well. I sure hope whomever’s in charge of this has their head screwed on right and don’t make a cock up. My daughter wondered if Robin might be offered a cameo? In closing, I’ve just been diagnosed pre-diabetic, so I’m more glad than ever I bought his cookbook.
Hello Mary.
Mammoth, the production company making the new Poldark are keen to honor the books even more than the first go.
They are good people. They have asked me whether I’d be interested in doing something…
Hope the book is a help.
I’ll look forward to seeing you in the new Poldark – as long as you are not cast as Hugh Boduggan
He certainly is handsome! I am sure this willl be a good production but will it be great? Will it have magic? I will ALWAYS be loyal to the Original.
I am having both knees replaced this summer- and I have decided to buy the full series (I know I don’t own it!) of the ancient production from the 70’s when we were all groovy and did not need our knees replaced- and I will treat myself to the old version as I recuperate.
THEY NEED TO GIVE ROBIN A A GOOD PART! The Les Mis film gave Colm Wilkinson, who originated Jean Val Jean in in the theatre production, a great part as The Priest ! Robin could play Pasco, Penvenen or even Aunt Agatha in drag! -JUST KIDDING about the Aunt Agathat comment!!!- that was a great part though!!!
I agree with Judy from Maryland! (I need two knee replacements and am holding off as long as I can! Good luck to u Judy!) I hope the offer they made you to perform in the new version comes to pass! It would be so nice for those of us who hold true to the original and even though you as Ross and the late Ms Rees as Demelza had so much charm and chemistry and hold a special place in all our hearts, I will try to watch with an open mind.
I hope your US book tour is doing well and I was wondering if u will be coming to New York for those of us who would love to meet u and the Mrs and have our books signed! Please let us know! Thank you!
Wishing all the best always,
Georgene
No plans so far but we are in NYC twice so we’ll see.
One can only hope for the best! Oh and if u r in NYC and like opera, check out “The Enchanted Island”! Placido Domingo plays old king Neptune and is wonderful! My husband surprised me with tickets last sat and like the opera title states, was enchanting!!!
Wishing you all the best always,
Georgene
A remake of Poldark, seriously I can’t think of a remake that was better than the original. I will watch it but I can’t really believe it will touch my heart and soul like the original. My love of Cornwall stems from the tales of Ross and Demelza and I still visit regularly today and my now grown children love it too. Always the wild North coast for us. The original cast will always be the best!
Oh goodie! This mini series saga has got to be the best one I’ve ever seen. They better not mess it up!