The second series of Poldark has yet to air on television, returning to BBC1's prime Sunday night slot this autumn, but the programme's makers have already been given the go ahead for a third.

Series one was watched by 9million viewers in 2015, and received much publicity alongside the UK general election. “People were asking ‘Where is the Ross Poldark of our time, where is our natural leader?’ Who could have predicted that?” said writer Debbie Horsfeld at an RTS event in April. 

Inspired by Winston Graham's novels, Poldark follows the success of the 1975 TV adaptation of the books which became one of the most popular series of all time and enjoyed fame around the world. 

Damien Timmer, managing director of the show's producer, Mammoth Screen, said: “Poldark is a passion project for all of us, and it’s with real excitement that we prepare for both the launch of series two and our return to Cornwall to shoot series three.

“Winston Graham and Debbie Horsfield’s extraordinary flair for storytelling means the saga of Ross, his friends and enemies will go to even more thrilling places.”

Midsomer Murders​' John Nettles and Hugh Skinner (The Windsors, W1A) join the cast when the costume-drama returns to screens in September.