Poldark series 3: Ross and Demelza have more troubles ahead according to Aidan Turner and Eleanor Tomlinson

• Poldark series four likely to air in early summer 2018
• First behind-the-scenes sneak peek at Poldark series 4
• Poldark star Heida Reed: "Everyone thinks Ross is so perfect and nothing is his fault - everybody blames the woman"

The third season, based on books five and six of Winston Graham’s epic saga, kicks off in 1794 with Elizabeth about to give birth to Ross’s child (probably), Demelza’s father dying, the French Revolution in full swing and a veritable Paris Mob of new characters traipsing into Truro. Inevitably most of them mean trouble.

“In series two their marriage began to move beyond the honeymoon period and we witnessed two people grappling to hold on to the connection that first brought them together. So by series three, the fact that they’re still together at all demonstrates staying power.”

Aidan Turner agrees: “The relationship has always felt very real. Eleanor and myself have worked together for so long that when we’re doing these scenes it feels like any relationship would feel.”

“Demelza has decided to stay with her husband through thick and thin,” adds Eleanor Tomlinson, “with the hope he will now include her in his decision-making and they will handle everything as a team and as a power couple. However, Ross falls slightly short of the mark and cuts Demelza out, which just exhausts her and as the series goes on she is constantly feeling left out.

"When a man in uniform falls for her she loves the attention; it’s a slow burn that comes from being left behind by her husband. In any relationship, being ignored allows eyes and hearts to wander and there’s so many new characters who tug on her heart.”

Poldark season three airs on Sundays, 9/8c, PBS Masterpiece