The second group of Bravehearts (participants in my cooking workshops here) are enjoying an aperitif in the sunshine, on the terrace of the magnificent and aptly named B & B, La Terrace de Lautrec.
We are about to sit down to a well deserved final meal (prepared by us of course).
Lunch, al fresco, overlooking the historic parterre–newly-clipped and immaculate.
Suddenly we hear a ruckus from inside the house. The sound of a voice that has a familiar and unwelcome ring to me–is of a particular timbre.
Loud, angry and Scots!
It triggers unpleasant memories and I find my overall sense of well being and satisfaction at completing a second workshop is swiftly turning into a feeling of anxiety–as I realise I am about to be nabbed!
Like the dour Scot he was back in the days of Poldark, dear old Captain McNeil never gave up the chase, it appears! His persistence (some would say his obsession) has finally paid off for him and I am cornered by a red faced redcoat on horseback!
Donald Douglas as Capt. McNeil
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IevZBj6Yisw
Happily for all concerned, the redoubtable Captain (aka Donald Douglas), after agreeing to hang up his musket–sits down, at the head of the table and charms us all with his highland banter.
Old enemies bury the past.
Robin Ellis 
I so wish I could have been there. Sounds like a fun time.
What a heart warming video to wake up to this morning. Thank you so much for sharing such a happy moment. We are going to watch Poldark again with new awareness of the wonderful actors and their private lives. We served the cabbage dish with Juniper Berries last night, it’s a favorite.
WHAT A TREAT & SO WELL DONE!
Thise darn Scots!:) You look good, Mr. Ellis!~
ps-in that last picture you look at bit like Bill Clinton. I think he had the most fun being our president.
What a treat! If being part of your Cookery Workshop in an idyllic part of France wasn’t enough! I am well envious now!!
Looks like it was another fun weekend for all concerned! Thanks for keeping us updated and for the lovely photos of course! x
…and the two of you have never looked better!
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McNeil’s Meal Deal – Brilliant!
What a giggle! Loved the video. Do you ever visit Paris for your workshops? I have waited a long, long time to be able to visit France, and my trip of a lifetime finally happens at the end of the year, but I only have a week in the City of Lights, a train trip to the south and a full day in Nice. Maybe another time…such a long way from Australia.
After more then 200 years you both look very well lol,lol.
Nice pictures by the way x.
Ohmigosh, Gene & I were laughing our heads off when we saw this!! What a treat! Now we’re DOUBLY jealous! 😉 Great video & pics–thanks for sharing. Will toast to your good health from overseas! Cheers & hugs!
What marvelous fun! All the best to a wonderful crew. I hope your summer continues to be fun and delicious,
Much love,
Nancy N
I am delighted to have discovered this website. I just finished watching the complete POLDARK series and loved it. Robin, you and Donald are fun to watch, but I’d enjoy hearing your voice in one of the videos. So far, I haven’t found one with your speaking. You both look wonderful, albeit a bit older! Lea Frey, Los Gatos, CA.
Welcome Leafrey! I’m happy you found it and enjoyed the series.
How absolutely lovely……….a treasured moment to keep forever for your guests.
It’s no wonder it took him 200 years to catch up with you, look at his poor horse! 😉
What a treat for your students/fans, and a lovely tribute to your past work together.
He always did scare me….pass the wine! His horse must have lost his arse on the moor – won’t get far on that ole nag…but you two look like the same handsome devils of yore. Thanks for sharing your beautiful French life.
How wonderful, such a hoot. You two obviously still have the magic and look great too, how about going up for a change of role in the new production of Poldark, surely it would be fun to play one of slightly more mature rascals from the fabulous story. We’d all love to see you involved and bringing the story of our beloved Poldark family back to the screen, for many of us it can only be you to play the part of the older yet still handsome Ross from Stranger from the Sea onwards. We live in hope Robin 🙂
Thanks for those kind words, Karen! Still waiting for the details on Pmark2.
Am in cornwall on holiday at the moment. Yesterday went to Godolphin house, imagined you all filming there. Congratulations on your new book
Hi Ellis, just saw “Wallander”, a movie o have see very much
and now i searching about you and what i find?
You was in “Heartbeat” to, something i love to see to.
I like your blog and pictures, must follow you more here.
Maybe if i write a manuscrips you will be in my movie?
Robin who could possibly be you,but you,and who could be darling Demelza?
It’s impossible to think of others in these roles’
Robin there is only one Ross and that is you,and who could possibly be darling
Demelza?
I have just read that BBC 1 are to re-make Poldark. Just won’t be the same.
I agree. And in only six episodes. Shows a lack of imagination to come up with new ideas. Re-running the originals would be much better.
LOL! Captain MacNeil! Donald Douglas appears to be my kind of guy! This is hilarious!
I’ve ever so much enjoyed your blog and facebook entries since discovering them last summer — but really enjoyed the youtube video and hearing Capt. Poldark and MacNeil’s voices again! Such a treat! I realize that Americans may sound perhaps, overly sentimental, but we really can’t help it, it’s just the way we are — so thanks to Robin and Meredith for making this wonderful experience possible for your fans.
Lovely, lovely! Both you and captain MacNeal are great! Love to hear your voices.
from Caroline Oh wait.. the picture of the two captains,a feel good one.
My parents were close friends of Donald Douglas’s parents and I would like to contact Donald and his sister Esme. Would you please pass on my email address to Donald and ask him to contact me? I love your site.
Thanks, Alistair. I have emailed your e address to Donald just now.