THE main star of this stunning adaption of the iconic TV series Poldark is undoubtably Cornwall itself, the county’s landscape is shown off in all its glory throughout the first episode premiered by the BBC at the Truro Plaza cinema last night.

Another glowering presence is Ross Poldark, played with brooding intensity by Hobbit and Being Human star Aidan Turner, ably supported by talented actress Eleanor Tomlinson who displays a very convincing Illogan accent as Demelza.

In fact Aidan does more glowering and intensity than any sane man should be allowed to endure, but who can blame him.

Returning home to Poldark after being injured in the American War of Independence, Ross finds his father dead, his estate in financial ruin, his sweetheart betrothed to someone else and everyone else thinking he is dead. It’s enough to send anyone over the edge.

Finding his true love celebrating her engagement to Francis Poldark at his uncle’s house he returns to his now derelict home occupied by his father’s no good servants, played winningly by Philip Davis and Beatie Edney. Once Demelza appear the scene we are all set up for one of the great romances in television history.

The dialogue may be a bit stilted at times, at some points it reminded me of the TV show Spartacus, but you just need to let your critical sensibilities go and bathe in the warm glow of perfect Sunday night entertainment.

The cast is excellent throughout and the CGI (i’m assuming) used to recreate the Cornish tin mines is pretty convincing. I for one will definitely be sitting down to watch the first episode again and look forward to enjoying all eight when they hit the screen on Sunday, March 8.