Poldark 40 years on: then and now
Hannah Khalil
Digital Content Producer, About The BBC Blog
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The second series of Cornish period drama Poldark is in production at the moment, although fans will have to wait till 2016 to watch it. We're marking 40 years since the original series started on the BBC, we're comparing a handful of original production shots with their present day equivalents.
In the 1975 BBC production of Poldark Robin Ellis played Ross Poldark and Angharad Rees Demelza. Intense pictures of the pair against the beautiful Cornish coast were clearly as popular then as now. Belts are out and stubbles are back in. The windswept look still has value.
Robin Ellis as Ross Poldark and Angharad Rees as Demelza
Eleanor Tomlinson as Demelza and Aiden Turner as Ross Poldark
Meanwhile Jill Townsend was the first Elizabeth - and a much blonder and curlier one than the current Heida Reed. Intense looks are order of the day again.
Don't touch the hair. It took ages.
Can I smell garlic?
Robin Ellis as Ross Poldark and Angharad Rees as Demelza
Eleanor Tomlinson as Demelza and Aiden Turner as Ross Poldark
The original Judd and Prudie, Ross Poldark's servants were played by Paul Curran and Mary Wimbush. While the modern version features an equally ragtag looking Phil Davis and Beatie Edney as the cheeky pair.
Paul Curran as Judd and Mary Wimbush as Prudie
Phil Davis as Jud and Beatie Edney as Beatie
And the dances were no less lavish in the 1975 production than the modern one.
Behind the scenes of Poldark 1975
Aiden Turner as Ross Poldark and Heida Reed as Elizabeth
Norma Steader played Verity Poldark in the 1970s production of Poldark.
Ruby Bentall playing Verity Poldark in the 2015 production.
Michael Cadman (Dr Dwight Enys in the second series of the first Poldark) sported big buttons and thick lustrous hair back in the 1970s. Pictured here with Judy Geeson as Caroline Penvenen.
Luke Norris plays the 2015 doctor with a distinct glint in his eye.
