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Poldark's Aidan Turner 'fighting to keep' his clothes on

'It was in the books last time, but this time if it’s not in the books, I have a good fight not to do things'

Clarisse Loughrey
Thursday 01 September 2016 14:50 BST
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Aidan Turner's Poldark made quite the mark on British audiences; though, unfortunately for him, it had quite a lot to do with a certain infamous scything scene.

The actor's topless scene was named the best TV moment of 2015 by readers of the Radio Times, earning a whopping 45% of the vote. So, perhaps it's unsurprising the BBC drama would attempt to recreate the phenomenon, but it looks as if Turner himself put his foot down on the matter.

"They were trying to make me take another dip in the sea this time, but it’s not in the books," he told The Mirror. "It was in the books last time, but this time if it’s not in the books, I have a good fight not to do things. And I’m certainly fighting the cause to keep my clothes on for this one."

Turner had previously shown frustration with the BBC's decision to release a promotional photo of the actor having his make-up applied while shirtless in the field, labelling the decision "a bit strange". "Apparently it was common law at the time that when you were scything you had to take your top off, so I did," he told Newsbeat. "It’s not a stripper show."

Writer Debbie Horsfield had already dampened hopes for a repeat of the scything scene after reminding viewers that "autumn is very chilly in Cornwall," so Poldark "won’t be doing any of that".


That said, audiences shouldn't be too disappointed; the first trailer for season 2 packs in intrigue and shirted-tension galore, as Poldark must face the consequences of his arrest after the shipwreck which occurred on his land at the end of season 1.

Poldark is set to premiere on BBC One, 4 September.

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