"I'm Ross more times than I'm Aidan these days!" – Aidan Turner on living life as Poldark and what's to come in series 3

RADIOTIMES
By Sarah Doran

June 2017 can’t come quickly enough for UK fans of BBC’s Poldark. The show’s eagerly anticipated third series hits BBC1 early this summer, and leading man Aidan Turner is excited.

“We only wrapped six weeks ago so getting the series out this soon is great,” the Irish actor tells RadioTimes.com during a break at the BFI & Radio Times Television Festival.

“When I see it I’ll remember shooting it which is always a bonus. It’s always too long to wait, you know?”

Oh, we know.

Series two saw the Cornish Captain come under fire for his actions with former love Elizabeth in scenes (one scene in particular) that divided opinion. Was Ross a rogue or a rapist? Debate raged online and original texts were consulted as the nation tried to decide how to deal with what Ross had done.

“I knew it was going to be big news for people, for fans and that,” says Turner. “I don’t know if they knew what to expect.”

He wasn’t sure what to expect from them either: “It was interesting to see how the audience responded to him, whether they were going to let him in anymore, or let him hang for his errors.

“You can’t necessarily stand by Ross’s actions, he’s clearly made a huge blunder, but he’s a flawed character,” Turner says. “You don’t set out to play a hero, or someone who's an iconic legend who doesn’t make any mistakes, and just rides into town and saves the world. He’s a real guy who makes real mistakes.”

Three series in, it’s clear that Captain Poldark and the ‘real guy’ who portrays him are almost one and the same in the eyes of some viewers. Has Ross become a part of Turner’s DNA?

“I’m Ross more times than I’m Aidan these days,” he explains. “It’s kind of weird, but such is the nature of the business.” He’s not complaining. In fact, he still seems somewhat surprised that he’s become a Sunday night drama sensation.

http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2017-04-21/im-ross-more-times-than-im-aidan-these-days--aidan-turner-on-living-life-as-poldark-and-whats-to-come-in-series-3

Poldark star Aidan Turner touches down in Dublin

IRISH INDEPENDENT
April 5, 2017

Aidan Turner has returned to Dublin for a rare night out at home, as Poldark fans are in a spin over the show's earlier return to our screens.

The heart-throb was snapped tonight at The Gate theatre with new director of the theatre Selina Cartmell at the opening night of Noel Coward's Private Lives.

He appeared tonight at the theatre dressed down in jeans and a beanie hat for the show, which is at the beginning of a three month run.

"The earlier filming schedule on this series means that we can bring the much anticipated third series back sooner for fans to Sunday nights in June," a BBC spokeswoman said.

http://www.independent.ie/style/celebrity/celebrity-news/poldark-star-aidan-turner-touches-down-in-dublin-35597779.html

Poldark series three to air on BBC1 in June (Aidan Turner)

RADIO TIMES
By Ben Dowell
Monday 3 April 2017 at 6:30PM

The next series of Aidan Turner drama Poldark will start on BBC1 in June, RadioTimes.com can exclusively reveal.

A BBC spokeswoman confirmed the news: “The earlier filming schedule on this series means that we can bring the much anticipated third series back sooner for fans to Sunday nights in June.”

The second series aired in the autumn against ITV drama Victoria but senior BBC sources were insistent that the decision for series 3 was not about avoiding a clash with rival show but about giving viewers a "summer treat".

Other sources also point to the fact that the first series of Poldark aired in the spring, with production sources noting that it would fill what can sometimes be a barren time for drama lovers.

Filming for series 3 started in September, a little earlier than series two started filming, as the team sought to get some better weather than the rather gloomy and wintry recent run of episodes.

However fans of both dramas and Mammoth Screen - which makes both Poldark and Victoria - will be happy that the Cornish period drama avoids a likely clash with the second series of the rival ITV drama starring Jenna Coleman which is expected to air in the autumn again.

The scheduling clash split the audience last autumn with both shows averaging just over 6 million viewers. Series 1 of Poldark averaged more than 8m viewers per episode and a move to earlier in the year has long been on the cards as RadioTimes.com revealed last September.

Earlier this year, Poldark star Eleanor Tomlinson said that the decision to schedule the drama against ITV period show Victoria last autumn was a “real shame”.

Speaking at the Radio Times Covers Party, the actress, who plays Ross Poldark's wife Demelza, insisted that the audience shouldn’t have had to choose between the Cornish period drama and ITV's series.

“I think it’s a real shame that they came out at the same time. It doesn’t make any sense to me!” she said in the interview (below). “I think it did split the audience. At the end we were equal and that’s really good. I think Poldark pulled through.”



http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2017-04-03/poldark-series-three-to-air-on-bbc1-in-june

Aidan Turner, Vanessa Redgrave, Theo James, Jack Reynor - ‘The Secret Scripture’ Trailer: Rooney Mara is a Dangerous Woman in Jim Sheridan’s Period Drama — Watch

INDIE WIRE
Yoselin Acevedo
Mar 17, 2017 12:36 pm

“The Secret Scripture” had its world premiere at the 2016 Toronto Film Festival. Now, the film adaptation of Sebastian Barry’s 2008 bestselling novel of the same name is ready for its big screen release this May. The film comes from beloved Irish director Jim Sheridan, who has six Oscar nominations to his name, for films like “My Left Foot” (1989), “In The Name Of The Father” (1993) and “In America” (2002). 

The film follows the story of Roseanne McNulty (Vanessa Redgrave), an elderly woman who has spent 50 years in a mental institution in Ireland. The film takes viewers into Roseanne’s past. As a young woman (played by Rooney Mara), Roseanne was involved in a love triangle between a fighter pilot (Jack Reynor) and a priest (Theo James) that had devastating consequences for all three of them.

http://www.indiewire.com/2017/03/the-secret-scripture-trailer-rooney-mara-jim-sheridan-jack-reynor-video-1201794517/

Desperate Romantics, Episode Three (Aidan Turner, Rafe Spall)

DESPERATE ROMANTICS, Episode Two (Aidan Turner, Rafe Spall, Sam Crane, Tom Hollander)

‘Poldark’ Season 3 Spoilers: Aidan Turner’s Ross, Eleanor Tomlinson’s Demelza Blissful Together During Filming in England; Marriage Intact Despite Elizabeth’s Pregnancy?

ECONO TIMES
Wednesday, February 15, 2017 8:50 AM

‘Poldark’ season 3 lead actors Aidan Turner and Eleanor Tomlinson were recently spotted filming in Somerset county in England. The two looked blissful and in-love as on-screen married couple Ross and Demelza Poldak. The photographs suggested that Ross and Demelza’s marriage may stay intact despite Elizabeth’s shocking pregnancy.

According to Express.com, Turner’s Ross Poldark and Tomlinson’s Demelza Poldark looked the part of a blissful wedded couple while the lead actors were spotted filming the third season of BBC’s British-American drama television series in Somerset county in South West England.

Turner and Tomlinson were dressed head-to-toe in full 18th century garb in Wells, Somerset. They were spotted looking at each other lovingly while locking arms despite the fallout of their marriage in the previous season. Demelza caught Ross cheating on her with Elizabeth in season 2. She also came close to betraying Ross with Captain McNeil (Henry Garett) during a party.

Tomlinson admitted during a previous interview that Ross and Demelza will continue to face marital challenges in the upcoming season. Perhaps Elizabeth’s (Heida Reed) pregnancy and the real identity of the father of her child will take its toll on one of television’s most beloved couples.


READ MORE HERE: http://www.econotimes.com/Poldark-Season-3-Spoilers-Aidan-Turners-Ross-Eleanor-Tomlinsons-Demelza-Blissful-Together-During-Filming-in-England-Marriage-Intact-Despite-Elizabeths-Pregnancy-540460

Who will be the next James Bond? Latest odds on Tom Hardy, Aidan Turner and Michael Fassbender as bets roll in

THE SUN
By Hannah Shaw
7th March 2017, 10:57 am  Updated: 7th March 2017, 11:31 am

The contest to play James Bond is still anyone’s game with a number of suave men in the running.

While Aidan Turner has been the bookies favourite for quite some time, he is currently being pipped to the post by Tom Hardy and Michael Fassbender.

Sun Bets are currently taking bets on over 50 male actors to take on the role of James Bond as Daniel Craig’s replacement.

The favourite is currently split between Tom Hardy and Michael Fassbender, who both have odds of 11/4.

Trailing behind are War & Peace’s James Norton, Poldark’s Aidan Turner and Luther’s Idris Elba, but what are their chances?

Who’s in the running for the next Bond?

Tom Hardy

Tom Hardy has fuelled the rumour mill by staying quiet when questioned on the role
Age: 39

Sun Bets odds: 11/4

Where do we know him from? Actor Tom Hardy is no stranger to the big screen having appeared recently in Mad Max: Fury Road, The Revenant and Legend.

The British actor has recently appeared in the BBC series Taboo and has fuelled Bond rumours after refusing to comment on whether he would like to take over from Daniel Craig, for fear of jinxing his chance.

Michael Fassbender

Michael Fassbender made his Alien debut in the 2012 prequel, Prometheus
Age: 39

Sun Bets odds: 11/4

Where do we know him from? Fans may recognise Fassbender from 2012 film Prometheus, and the star has hit the big screen again with his role in Assassin’s Creed.

Sun Bets place the actor’s odds at 20/1, however in an interview with GQ Fassbender said: “As an acting role, I think Daniel has done such a cracking job in this age group.

“I think the franchise needs something new.”

James Norton

James Norton made an impression on viewers during his stint on BBCs Happy Valley
Age: 31

Sun Bets odds: 7/2

Where do we know him from? Norton has an impressive accolade of TV credits behind him.

Viewers may recognise James from BBC’s Happy Valley, where he played the role of Tommy Lee Royce.

James has also starred in Granchester, Black Mirror and War & Peace.

Aidan Turner

Aidan has become a sex symbol thanks to his topless action in Poldark
Age: 33

Sun Bets odds: 4/1

Where do we know him from? Most viewers will recognise Aidan as heartthrob Ross Poldark.

Aidan started his career on stage but soon found fame on the big screen after appearing in The Hobbit trilogy.

The 33 year old took the lead in Bond odds back in August, however refused to comment on the rumours at MCM Expo.



READ MORE HERE:
https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/1703522/next-james-bond-latest-odds-tom-hardy-michael-fassbender/

Poldark' Star Aidan Turner's Ross Will Be Older Yet Not Wiser; New Characters' Inclusion Further Spices Up Things

COUNSEL AND HEAL
PAULA SEAN
March 6, 2017

Poldark" star Aidan Turner's character is expected to appear as reckless as he was in the previous two seasons. Meanwhile, the addition of some new characters in the cast is expected to make things more interesting in season 3.

Debbie Horsfield, the show's writer has teased that a richer plot with more drama, passion, feud, and conflict awaits viewers when the show returns for season 3. Though Turner's Ross is older now, Horsfield hinted that he is yet to be wiser.

The character is often at his reckless best, which creates trouble for him, as well as for those who are close to him. Horsfield also claimed that fans can expect to enjoy another rollercoaster ride but the stakes could be higher this time.

"Poldark" Season 3 Has New Actors In Cast

Digital Spy reported that Josh Whitehouse will be one of the new key characters to join in the upcoming season. Actor Hugh Armitage will be portraying the role in the new episodes. Josh is tipped to be an aristocrat and Ross will have consequences to face upon his arrival.

Some other new actors are Drake (Harry Richardson), Demelza's) Eleanor Tomlinson) brother and Sam (Tom York), who is a highly religious character. Another new character will be Emma Tregirls (Ciara Charteris), who is Sam's love interest in "Poldark" Season 3.


READ MORE HERE:http://www.counselheal.com/articles/34711/20170306/poldark-star-aidan-turners-ross-will-older-wiser-new-characters.htm

Aidan Turner cracks a joke on set as he battles against the cold to film third series of Poldark with co-star Eleanor Tomlinson

DAILY MAIL
By Julia Pritchard for MailOnline
PUBLISHED: 10:24 EST, 11 February 2017 | UPDATED: 07:46 EST, 12 February 2017

They began filming the new series of Poldark in September, and continued to do so through the winter.

But Aidan Turner still managed to crack a smile despite the chilly conditions on Saturday, as he filmed further scenes for the show in Wells, Somerset, with a hot water bottle in hand.

The Irish actor, 31, was seen throwing his head back in laughter and joking with the crew and his on-screen wife Eleanor Tomlinson, 24, as he tried to keep warm on set.

The beloved TV duo have been relentlessly filming the third series of the popular BBC drama since September - flitting between the countryside of Wales, Cornwall and Gloucestershire.

The final episode of the previous series aired in November, and was met with a rave reaction from fans on Twitter.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-4214926/Aidan-Turner-cracks-joke-set-Poldark-filming.html#ixzz4a5eSsjF6 
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

‘POLDARK’ STAR AIDAN TURNER REVEALS THAT HE IS NOT REALLY KEEN ABOUT AWARD SHOWS AT BAFTA 2016

MIRROR
19:27, 8 MAY 2016 UPDATED 20:22, 8 MAY 2016
BY DANNY WALKER

Poldark star Aidan Turner has revealed ceremonies and shows 'aren't his thing' on the BAFTA TV Awards red carpet.

Turner - who stars as Ross Poldark in the hit BBC drama - chose the perfect time to say he doesn't wear suits and he's not really into award shows.

Talking to new Robot Wars presenter Angela Scanlon and Blue Peter's Radzi Chinyanganya on the BAFTA TV red carpet - which takes place for the tenth year running at the historic Royal Opera House in Covent Garden - Turner revealed ceremonies are 'alien to him'.

After the presenters mentioned his hair - the 'perfect Man Bun' - Turner said dressing up and attention from fans was still all 'kind of new' to him.



The 32-year-old actor said: "I'm not around this. This isn't my daily grind, showing up to gigs and doing this kind of thing so I'm out of the loop really.

"I don't wear suits, I just grow a beard and just hang out, really. This is kind of new."

Speaking of the clear positive reaction from fans, he added: "It's fun and people like the show and they're supportive and friendly - they're a bit loud but it's not the worst thing in the world."

Looks like he's having a great time to us.


http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/poldarks-aidan-turner-reveals-award-7927320

Bafta TV awards 2016: full list of winners

Drama series

Humans (Channel 4)

The Last Panthers (Sky Atlantic)

No Offence (Channel 4)

WINNER – Wolf Hall (BBC2)

Entertainment programme 

Adele at the BBC (BBC1)

Britain’s Got Talent (ITV)

WINNER – Strictly Come Dancing (BBC1)

TFI Friday anniversary special (Channel 4)

Female performance in a comedy programme

WINNER – Michaela Coel – Chewing Gum (Channel 4)

Miranda Hart – Miranda (BBC1)

Sian Gibson – Peter Kay’s Car Share (BBC iPlayer)

Sharon Horgan – Catastrophe (Channel 4)

International

The Good Wife (More4)

Narcos (Netflix)

Spiral (BBC4) 

WINNER – Transparent (Amazon Prime)

Male performance in a comedy programme

Hugh Bonneville – W1A (BBC2)

Javone Prince – The Javone Prince Show (BBC2)

WINNER – Peter Kay – Peter Kay’s Car Share (BBC iPlayer)

Toby Jones – Detectorists (BBC 4)

Single drama

The C-Word (BBC1)

Cyberbully (Channel 4) 

WINNER – Don’t Take My Baby (BBC3)

The Go-Between (BBC1)

Radio Times audience award (voted for by members of the public)

Doctor Foster

The Great British Bake Off

Humans

Making a Murderer 

Peter Kay’s Car Share

WINNER – Poldark

Supporting actor

Anton Lesser – Wolf Hall (BBC2)

Cyril Nri – Cucumber (Channel 4)

Ian McKellen – The Dresser (BBC2)

WINNER – Tom Courtenay – Unforgotten (ITV)

Reality and constructed factual

WINNER – First Dates (Channel 4)

Gogglebox (Channel 4)

I’m a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here (ITV)

The Secret Life of 4, 5 and 6 Year Olds (Channel 4)

Supporting actress

WINNER – Chanel Cresswell – This is England ‘90 (Channel 4)

Eleanor Worthington-Cox – The Enfield Haunting (Sky Living)

Lesley Manville – River (BBC1)

Michelle Gomez – Doctor Who (BBC1)

Comedy and comedy entertainment programme

Charlie Brooker’s Election Wipe (BBC2)

WINNER – Have I Got News for You (BBC1)

QI (BBC2)

Would I Lie To You (BBC1)

Specialist factual

WINNER – Britain’s Forgotten Slave Owners (BBC2)

Grayson Perry’s Dream House (Channel 4)

The Hunt (BBC1)

Rudolf Nureyev – Dance to Freedom (BBC2)

Soap and continuing drama

Coronation Street (ITV)

WINNER – EastEnders (BBC1)

Emmerdale (ITV)

Holby City (BBC1)

Features

Back in Time for Dinner (BBC2)

WINNER – The Great British Bake Off (BBC1)

Kevin McCloud: Escape to the Wild (Channel 4)

Travel Man (Channel 4)

Scripted comedy

Chewing Gum (E4)

Peep Show (Channel 4)

People Just Do Nothing (BBC3)

WINNER – Peter Kay’s Car Share (BBC iPlayer)

Entertainment performance

Graham Norton – The Graham Norton Show (BBC1)

WINNER – Leigh Francis – Celebrity Juice (ITV2)

Romesh Ranganathan – Asian Provocateur (BBC3)

Stephen Fry – QI (BBC2)

Leading actress

Claire Foy – Wolf Hall (BBC2)

Ruth Madeley – Don’t Take My Baby (BBC3)

Sheridan Smith – The C-Word (BBC1)

WINNER – Suranne Jones – Doctor Foster (BBC1)

Leading actor

Ben Whishaw – London Spy (BBC2)

Idris Elba – Luther (BBC1)

WINNER – Mark Rylance – Wolf Hall (BBC2)

Stephen Graham – This is England ’90 (Channel 4)

Single documentary

Bitter Lake (BBC iPlayer)

Life After Suicide (BBC1)

Louis Theroux: Transgender Kids (BBC2)

WINNER – My Son the Jihadi (Channel 4)

Current affairs

Children of the Gaza War (BBC2)

Escape from Isis – Dispatches (Channel 4)

Jihad: A British Story (ITV)

WINNER – Outbreak: The Truth About Ebola (BBC2)

Mini-series

Doctor Foster (BBC1)

The Enfield Haunting (Sky Living)

London Spy (BBC2)

WINNER – This is England ‘90 (Channel 4)

Factual series

The Detectives (BBC2)

Great Ormond Street (BBC2)

WINNER – The Murder Detectives (Channel 4)

The Tribe (Channel 4)

News coverage

BBC News at Six: Paris Attacks Special (BBC1)

WINNER – Channel 4 News: Paris Massacre (Channel 4)

ITV News at 10: Refugee Crisis (ITV)

Sky News: From Turkey to Greece (Sky News)

Live Event

WINNER – Big Blue Live (BBC1)

The Sound of Music Live! (ITV)

Stargazing Live: Brit In Space, Tim Peake Special (BBC)

The Vote (More4)

Sport

WINNER – The Ashes (Sky Sports)

The Grand National (Channel 4)

MOTD Live: FA Cup Final (BBC1)

Six Nations – Final Day (BBC1)

Poldark star Aidan Turner says he was worried about ‘letting people down’

EXPRESS CO.
By NEELA DEBNATH
PUBLISHED: 23:05, Tue, May 3, 2016 | UPDATED: 23:12, Tue, May 3, 2016

The 32-year-old Irish actor recalled in a recent interview his first day on the set of the lavish BBC period drama, saying that he hoped he didn’t let audiences down.

“I remember the first day so well. I was horse riding in the very first scene and thinking, ‘Jesus, if I blow this, it could all be over - I could be off!” he said.

He went on to say: “It’s quite flattering really, thinking, ‘They [the producers] believe in me and trust I can do it!’

“But there’s a little bit in the back of your head worrying, ‘I hope I don’t let people down…’ But in this game you have to get over that very quickly.

“Self-doubt can sometimes be a good thing, but you need to keep it in check – it’s all a confidence game, really. You can’t let it beat you,” he told the Radio Times.

He also spilled the beans on that scything scene, revealing that the experts were not too impressed with his technique.

Despite being voted the best television moment of 2015, it seems that the Being Human star just couldn’t get the scything quite right.



READ MORE HERE: http://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/666813/Poldark-Aidan-Turner-Eleanor-Tomlinson-Heida-Reed-BBC

ROBERT PATTINSON, AIDAN TURNER AND THEO JAMES: KNOW THE CURRENT HEARTTHROBS AND FUTURE STARS

MOVIE NEWS GUIDE
ANSHUL HARDIKAR
April 20, 2016

The line up has changed and so has the trend. Gone are the days when Hollywood bigwigs were the only movie stars because a new generation has already taken over. Stars like Robert Pattinson, Aidan Turner and Theo James are currently some of the leading ones in the roster. They have incredible following and are worth every penny. Here is what puts them on the top of their game.

1. Talent. Solely the most important thing any future movie star might need. Talent is one thing that sets you apart from others. All the three heartthrobs have proved their mettle with “Twilight,” “Poldark” and “Divergent” series and hopefully will continue to do so.

2. Dedication. For any individual to become an actor, it needs dedication and for any actor to become a star, it needs even more dedication. There are no doubts about their dedication because each one of them has worked really hard to get their portrayal right. Normally, when they set out to prepare for their roles, they research, read up and then apply it to their roles.

3. Ability to get under the skin. As mentioned earlier because of the immense dedication that they have, their portrayal becomes so convincing that at times it gets hard to believe if fans are looking at the actor or the character. For instance, Robert’s Edward or Aidan’s Ross Poldark.

4. Good looks. This has got to do a thing or two with being a heartthrob, however, it is not the most important thing. Their looks are something worthy dying for and there is no one better than their female fan base to express it. It is also believed that it was Aidan’s mass appeal amongst female fans and performance in “And Then There Were None” that got him a meeting with the Bond producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.


READ MORE HERE: http://www.movienewsguide.com/robert-pattinson-aidan-turner-theo-james-know-current-heartthrobs-future-stars/196897

Poldark boss was worried Aidan Turner wasn't "attractive" enough for the part

RADIO TIMES
By Emma Daly
Monday 18 April 2016 at 9:35AM

Hang on to your scythes people because it's been revealed that Poldark's producer had concerns that Aidan Turner wasn't "attractive" enough to play the titular character.

What's that sound? That's everyone Googling the picture of that topless scything scene to manically point at it incredulously.

It was in fact the show's composer Anne Dudley who stepped in to persuade Damien Timmer, the managing director of production company Mammoth Screen, that all would be well.

“It is true, Damien did ask me, ‘Do you think women will find Aidan attractive?’" Dudley told The Mirror. "I said, ‘I don’t think you will have a problem.'”

But it wasn't just looks on Timmer's mind. As they set about bringing Ross Poldark's story back to the small screen, he wasn't actually convinced that another remodelling of Winston Graham's novels would work.

READ MORE HERE: http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2016-04-18/poldark-boss-was-worried-aidan-turner-wasnt-attractive-enough-for-the-part

Fresh-faced Aidan Turner got his pecs out years before sensational 'Smoldark' scene

ENTERTAINMENT TV NEWS
Kirsty Blake Knox
April 12, 2016

Actor Aidan Turner set pulses racing when he scythed his way across the Cornish coastline - topless and lathered in baby oil.

But that iconic Poldark scene wasn't Turner's first time baring his chest on the small screen.
In 2004, he was the star of Fruice juice's "it's a natural thing" ad campaign.

The tongue-in-cheek advert sees a topless Turner approach two ladies who appear to be wearing no clothes.

"Well hello there," Turner says. "Nice day for it - I can see you've got yours out too," he adds grinning.

The camera then pans down to reveal that Turner is referring to a bottle of orange Fruice juice one of the ladies is holding.

The ad aired over a decade ago when the aspiring actor was just 21.

The advert also stars Irish blogger Holly White and was shot in Spain.

Turner looks drastically different in the ad - his perfectly 'manscaped' chest hair is sadly missing.
So too is his trademark designer stubble and tousled hair.

http://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/tv-news/freshfaced-aidan-turner-got-his-pecs-out-years-before-sensational-smoldark-scene-34619370.html

Tom Hiddleston, Aidan Turner, Tom Hardy: Is Bond a Three Horse Race?

FEMALE FIRST
by Helen Earnshaw | 9 April 2016


Last year, a whole host of names such as Idris Elba and Damian Lewis - both fine actors - were banded around as a possibility for the next 007. However, it is looking increasingly like a three horse race for one of cinema's biggest and most iconic roles.

Should Craig call time on his tenure as Bond, will it be Tom Hardy who takes over? As Tom Hiddleston got what it takes to move the franchise on? Or will Aidan Turner land this coveted role?

- Tom Hardy

Tom Hardy is an actor who has been linked to this role for quite some time and remains the bookies favourites to take over from Daniel Craig when he finally leaves this role behind.

For me, Hardy has always been the obvious choice to take on the role of 007. There is no denying that the handsome actor looks the part, but there is an air of menace about him that I think would fit this role beautifully.

I have just always thought that Hardy and Bond would be the perfect fit and that he is an obvious choice.

Hardy already has a huge fan base and would no doubt bring new viewers to the Bond franchise. The actor is also no stranger to tackling big movies so the Bond franchise would be very safe in his hands.

- Tom Hiddleston

Up until fairly recently Tom Hiddleston was perhaps not everyone's first choice to take on the role of 007. One episode into his TV stint on The Night Manager and fans were calling for his name to be thrown into the hat.

There is no denying that Hiddleston is a beautiful thing and would more than look the part in a tux. But The Night Manager showed that the British star also had the action chops that are required to take on this role.

While I still think this role should go to Hardy, I would not be disappointed if it was revealed that Hiddleston was to take over from Craig. Hiddleston is a wonderful actor and I think that he would bring a sensitivity and an intelligence to this character that would be very exciting to explore.

The last few weeks has seen support for Hiddleston as Bond grow and grow and he is now the second favourite - behind Hardy - to land the role. He really has come from nowhere to be a major player in this race to become 007.

- Aidan Turner

Of all the names that are potentially in the frame to take over the role of James Bond, Aidan Turner is perhaps the least favourite of the lot - the role of Bond would certainly send his star rocketing; just like it did for Craig.

He is no stranger to success with The Hobbit film franchise and TV series Poldark under his belt. Bond would be the perfect platform for him and Bond producers have had a knack of casting those who are not hugely famous in the role.

Interestingly, Turner is the only one who has been linked to a meeting with producers to discuss the role. A source told The Sun last month that the actor had held preliminary talks with Bond producers.




Read more: http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/movies/is-bond-a-three-horse-race-936347.html#ixzz45T3moOD0

‘Poldark’ Series Premiere Recap: Part 1

WALL STREET JOURNAL
By  SARENE LEEDS





From left: Aidan Turner as Ross Poldark and Heida Reed as Elizabeth in “Poldark” (C) Robert Viglasky/Mammoth Screen for MASTERPIECE

Thank you, PBS and “Masterpiece.”

One week after Jon Snow suffered multiple stabbings at the hands of his fellow Night’s Watchmen, we have been able to put aside our mourning for the “Game of Thrones” character and his ambiguous future. Because arriving on the TV landscape tonight is another handsome, brooding hero blessed with luscious long locks to keep us company on these lonely summer Sunday evenings.

After a successful run in the U.K. earlier this year, the BBC drama “Poldark,” based on the series of novels by Winston Graham, has premiered on PBS’s “Masterpiece.” And its timing could not be more impeccable: With sweeping epics like “Game of Thrones,” “Outlander” and “Downton Abbey” all currently on hiatus, “Poldark” nicely fills the prestige-television void, especially given the promise of lots of shirtless scenes featuring star Aidan Turner.

Irish actor Turner, known primarily for his role as Kili in “The Hobbit” films, is protagonist Ross Poldark, an 18th-century Redcoat soldier newly returned to his home in southwestern England after fighting on the losing side of the Revolutionary War. For those already familiar with the “Poldark” books and the 1970s TV series of the same name that aired on the original “Masterpiece Theatre,” tonight’s premiere episode may have been a bit of a drag as it focused on setting the scene and introducing us to the main characters. As a result, “Part 1″ was heavy on the exposition and light on the plot development, but for those of us who have not read the novels or seen the Seventies “Poldark” (like this recapper), the episode got us fully prepped for what’s ahead over the next six episodes.

The series opens with a prologue in 1781 Virginia, where landed gentry member Ross Poldark and his Redcoat army are ambushed by a battalion of colonial patriots. Two years later, Ross comes home to Cornwall, a deep scar now marking the side of his face and giving the camera a very good reason to fulfill a close-up-on-Aidan Turner quota for every episode. To his dismay, Ross learns that he’s been presumed dead since the Virginia attack, so his welcome-home party consists of: 1. The news that his father has died, and, to quote “Titanic” gold digger Ruth Dewitt Bukater, “left behind nothing but a legacy of bad debts hidden by a good name” (although in Ross’s case, the debts aren’t so hidden). And, 2. His beloved not-quite-fiancée Elizabeth (Heida Reed), believing Ross was dead, has moved on and is about to marry his milquetoast cousin, Francis (Kyle Soller).

What’s an impoverished gentleman to do? Despite everyone pleading with him to get lost – especially his Uncle Charles (Warren Clarke), who really doesn’t want Ross messing up his son Francis’s marriage to Elizabeth – Ross is determined to rebuild his father’s dilapidated estate and reopen his family’s copper mine. Is it because he wants to win back Elizabeth (who marries Francis in the premiere episode more out of a sense of duty than love)? Possibly. There’s a lot of “will they or won’t they” in “Part 1,” with a frustrated Ross ultimately spurning the newlywed Elizabeth, telling her “We can never be friends!” But once Turner’s co-star Eleanor Tomlinson appears on the scene midway through the episode, the much more important “Poldark” love triangle is set.

Tomlinson portrays Demelza Carne, a local girl whose miner father’s favorite pastime is beating on his only daughter. To get away from her brutish dad, Demelza enjoys dressing in her brother’s tattered shirt and breeches and running off to town with her best pal, her dog, Garrick. A meet cute between Ross and Demelza occurs during the town’s Market Day when he rescues Garrick – and the girl – from a cruel dogfight, and soon enough, Ross is offering Demelza a position in his house as a kitchen maid. Given the fact that Tomlinson’s name immediately follows Turner in the credits, it is not a spoiler to say that Demelza’s drudge status doesn’t last long.

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At this early stage of the series, I’m not sure I’m sold yet on the story lines, but as I said earlier, the plot needed to give way to exposition for the premiere episode. What I am loving so far is the sheer abundance of eye candy that “Poldark” provides – and I’m not just talking about Aidan Turner and the seemingly endless shots of his gorgeously glowering visage (he also cuts a fine figure in 18th-century fashions, including those three-cornered hats): The series serves as a free travelogue for the breathtaking Cornwall coastline – this writer is severely berating herself for only going so far as Devon on a trip to southwestern England many years ago – which is just as important a character to the narrative as Ross, Demelza and Elizabeth. If you’re still debating checking out “Poldark,” there’s no shame in coming for the scenery (whether it’s Cornwall or Turner), because chances are you will stay for the story.

“Poldark” airs Sunday nights on “Masterpiece” on PBS at 9 p.m. Follow our recaps all season long here. Follow Sarene Leeds on Twitter.


FOR THE ENTIRE REVIEW READ HERE: http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2015/06/21/poldark-series-premiere-recap-part-1/

6 Things You Need to Know About Poldark's Aidan Turner

MASTERPIECE

Irish actor Aidan Turner may not yet be a household name stateside, but when Poldark rides onto your screens, you will definitely want to know anything and everything about the star that took the UK by storm. Start with these six things you need to know about Aidan Turner.



1. Dancing With the Star
Long before dancing in the fictitious assembly rooms of Cornwall, Turner was nimbly leading partners across the dance floors throughout the UK as a competitive dancer, having trained for a decade in Latin American and Ballroom dancing! Tango, anyone?

2. No Account
Unlike his castmates @RubyBentalland @ReedHeida, Turner doesn't have a social presence. "I don't do social media—maybe people should know that, because there's probably a bunch of fake Twitter things out there, Instagrams and all that, and Facebooks. I don't do any of it."



3. Shorn Free
Turner's mass of dark, windswept, romantic curls are so swoon-worthy, they've even inspired their own Twitter presence! But are they real? "We had hair extensions for a little while until it grew, and then we took them out. Yeah, it really is my hair, as wild as it is!"



4. A Short List of One
Poldark's executive producer, Debbie Horsfield, wanted Aidan and only Aidan for the lead role. Turner described being offered the part, without so much as a screen test, to the New York Post: "There was a knock on the door and the FedEx guy was there with the first two Poldark books and all eight scripts for the series. I thought, 'What on earth is this?' Then my agent calls and says there’s an offer for me to play the part of Ross Poldark. That had never happened to me before. It was surreal."



READ MORE HERE: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/programs/features/spotlight/poldark-s1-6-things-aidan-turner/

Aidan Turner: I put a stone on after Poldark ended and I'm too fat and hairy to get my top off

THE MIRROR
BY NICOLA METHVEN
15 May, 2015



Poldark heart-throb Aidan Turner has revealed he put on a stone as soon as the show ended and is now “too fat and hairy” to get his top off.

The actor, who stripped off for the now infamous scything scene, also said he knew his technique was wrong but stuck with it to add to the drama.

Aidan, 31, said the effort that went in to creating his renowned six-pack was enormous. “It’s quite hard work to get into that sort of shape.

“Towards the end, I was so sick of it - I wanted to stuff my face. I think I put on a stone straight away.”

He claimed that fans would be “so disappointed” if he bared his torso now.

“I’m way too hairy,” he laughed. “If I went to the beach right now, people wouldn’t recognise me. I think keeping my top on these days is probably a good idea. I’m in nothing like the shape I was.

“People are just, ‘Hey - where’s your six-pack?’ I’m like, ‘I’m fat now - what are you talking about?’”

But the hunky star plans to hit the gym once again before filming on the second series starts in September.

Aidan entirely agrees with the scything experts who criticised his efforts. For the episode, he took lessons from a pro who said it should be more of a gentle twisting motion than massing slashing.

But he laughed: “Can you imagine if that was the scene? I was getting f***ing stuck in and every time I was doing it, I could see him shaking his head and turning away.

READ MORE HERE: http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/aidan-turner-put-stone-after-5699360