The BBC has released the first footage from the third season of Poldark.

The award-winning Cornish saga returned to BBC One this autumn, with 5.1 million viewers and a 22.7 percent audience share for the first episode of Season 2, which concluded earlier this month.

Buy the complete Season 1-2 box set on Amazon here.

The next season began filming in September. Based on Winston Graham’s books, Debbie Horsfield has written nine new episodes, which will air in 2017.

Horsfield previously commented: “We’re thrilled to be kicking off series three with a fantastic array of new characters and a story which scales new heights of conflict, feuding, passion and drama. Ross is older but not necessary wiser, and his recklessness sometimes costs him, and his loved ones, dear. We’re in for a rollercoaster ride where the stakes have never been higher.”

Watch the teaser…

The official synopsis for Season 3 reads: “It’s 1794 and Ross must traverse new family, new loves and new battles, as the French revolution casts a great shadow over life in Cornwall.”

The Hobbit star Aidan Turner will reprise his role as Ross Poldark, alongside Eleanor Tomlinson as his wife Demelza.

Season 3 will introduce several new cast members, including Harry Richardson and Tom York as Demelza’s brothers Drake and Sam, and Ellise Chappell as Morwenna, Elizabeth’s cousin.

Other returning cast members include Heida Reed as Elizabeth, Jack Farthing as George Warleggan, Ruby Bentall as Verity, Gabriella Wilde as Caroline Penvenen and Luke Norris as Dr Dwight Enys, John Nettles as Ray Penvenen, Beatie Edney as Prudie and Caroline Blakiston as Aunt Agatha.

Are you looking forward to the third season of Poldark? Let us know below…