The new series takes place after a time-jump of ten years, which fans of the books by Winston Graham (on which the series is based) have been expecting. Horsfield, who has written every episode of the four previous series has a cunning approach to seamlessly weaving in this passage of time. 

The drama will pick up in the wake of the shocking death of Ross Poldark’s long time paramour and, latterly, enemy Elizabeth Warleggan.

Horsfield commented, “In The Stranger from the Sea [the book on which the series will be based] Winston Graham made many references to developments that happened in the 'gap' years. Much can also be inferred. There are, of course, also historical events and people of the time, both in Cornwall and in London. Series five will draw on all of these to follow the lives of the Poldarks, George Warleggan, the Enyses, and the Carnes in this intervening period.”

Aidan Turner and Eleanor Tomlinson will return as leads Ross and Demelza Poldark along with Jack Farthing (George Warleggan), Luke Norris (Dr Dwight Enys), Gabriella Wilde (Caroline Enys), Ellise Chappell (Morwenna Carne), Harry Richardson (Drake Carne), Tom York as Sam Carne, and Beatie Edney as Prudie.

Ross finds himself wanting to spend more time with the people he loves following the death of Elizabeth and so leaves behind the politics of Westminster. However, when an old friend enlists his help, Ross finds that he must once again challenge the establishment, with the help of Dwight and Caroline Enyse. As if that wasn’t enough, George Warleggan goes on the warpath following his wife’s demise, in a far reaching plan to corrupt powers whose influence spans the Empire.

Karen Thrussell, executive producer for Mammoth teased that there may be hope for fans of more Poldark after series five, commenting, “This will be the last series in the Poldark chronicle... for now. Who knows what the future may bring.”

Poldark series five will film in Cornwall, Bristol and surrounding areas