BBC One has revealed that Aidan Turner, known for his roles in the The Hobbit Trilogy and Being Human will star as Ross Poldark in the new TV adaptation.

Debbie Horsfield’s adaptation of Winston Graham’s acclaimed saga set in 18th-century Cornwall, will be made by Mammoth Screen and directed by Ed Bazalgette (The Guilty, Endeavour).

 Ben Stephenson, the controller of BBC drama commissioning, said: “We are excited he is coming back from Hollywood. He is a brilliant actor who is part of the BBC family."

The Poldark was a TV hit when it aired for two series on the BBC between 1975 and 1977.

Starring Robin Ellis in the title role it followed British officer Ross Poldark, who returns to his native Cornwall after the American Revolutionary War in the late 18th century.

The new series of six hour-long episodes is expected to reach TV screens in 2015.