Poldark Series 2 will remove rape scene from Winston Graham’s books

One pivotal moment from the source material has been changed to keep Ross as a hero
He's back: Poldark is returning for Series 2 in September
BBC/Mammoth Screen
Ben Travis3 August 2016

Brooding Cornish hero Poldark became a huge hit on BBC One last year with Aidan Turner taking on the lead role.

But the adaptation of Winston Graham’s novel series is set to make a key difference in its second series, changing a scene from the books in which – spoiler warning – Ross Poldark rapes his ex Elizabeth.

The pivotal moment arrives in the third book, but has been ‘updated’ to become a consensual affair in Series 2 of the period drama show.

“It seems consensual, and it just seems right. He goes to talk. He doesn’t go to commit a crime,” Aiden Turner told The Sun.

“They talk and it seems like there is still this spark between them, this unfinished business emotionally.

“Certainly, that’s how Ross feels. He doesn’t force himself upon her.”

In the book, Poldark forcibly kisses Elizabeth and carries her to bed, despite her telling him to stop.

Poldark - in pictures

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A source explained: “Ross is a hero and times have changed since the 1950s and 1970s.

“The new series reflects that in a way that keeps Ross Poldark as the romantic hero that fans want.”

Series 1 became a major Sunday night success when it first aired in March 2015, with the opening episode pulling in 9.51 million viewers and viewers taking to social media to express their admiration for the show - and Turner's shirtless scything.

Series 2 will debut on September 4, 2016 on BBC One.

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