Poldark was a hit BBC drama series that aired for five seasons between 2015 and 2019, and it is now available to stream on Netflix. Adapted from Winston Graham's novels, the series is set between 1781 and 1801 and follows Ross Poldark, a British Army veteran of the American Revolutionary War, who returns to Cornwall to find his father dead and his estate in tatters, as he sets about restoring his fortunes. Part of the show was filmed in Wales.
The series received widespread critical praise and secured a nomination for Best Period Drama at the National Television Award. Here is what some of the main cast have gone on to do since, as reported by Somerset Live.
Aidan Turner (Ross Poldark)
The 43-year-old Irish actor later portrayed Leonardo in the Italian series of the same name, before joining the Disney+ series Rivals in 2024 as journalist Declan O'Hara. He is currently involved in two film projects: the epic biblical drama The Way of the Wind and the monster feature Grendel.
In August 2020, he married actress Caitlin FitzGerald, and the couple welcomed their first child in January 2022. Speaking to Star Sessions in 2025, Turner reflected on his Poldark experience, revealing he had no prior knowledge of the story before securing the part.
He said: "It worked out well for me that I wasn't aware of Poldark or what it was. 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 Polark. 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 (Demelza Poldark)
The 34-year-old English actress took on the role of Demelza, Poldark's maid-turned-wife. Since the show, she has appeared in the BBC comedy drama The Outlaws, The Couple Next Door, One Day and The Fortune.
She previously dated her co-star Harry Richardson, who played Drake Carne, for about a year before they separated in 2018. She also spent two years in a relationship with equestrian Ben Atkinson, who served as Aidan Turner's stunt double.
Tomlinson married rugby player Will Owen in July 2022, and the couple welcomed their first child in February 2025.
Pip Torrens (Cary Warleggan)
The 66-year-old English actor played Cary Warleggan, a successful banker. His latest work includes Down Cemetery Road and Renegade Nell. From 2019 onwards, he shifted his focus towards video game voice work, lending his voice to Elden Ring and Directive 8020.
Tristan Sturrock (Captain Zacky Martin)
The 58-year-old Cornish actor portrayed Captain Zacky Martin, a friend of Poldark. Earlier in 2026, it was revealed that he secured the role of Captain Smollet, captain of the Hispanola, in the forthcoming series Treasure Island. His other 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, actress Bronte Carmichael.
Vincent Regan (Edward Despard)
The 61-year-old Welsh performer played Irish soldier and abolitionist Edward Despard. His latest appearances include portraying John Harris in the popular series Shetland and Rickard Thorne in House of the Dragon.
Discussing his Shetland role, he said: "I'm thrilled 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."
He portrayed an upstanding, moral and stoic recently-widowed mussel farmer.
Poldark is available to stream on Netflix.
