Poldark will be back on BBC One earlier than expected.

Based on Winston Graham’s books, the award-winning Cornish saga launched in March 2015 and returned to BBC One for a second season in September 2016.

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

The third season began filming last autumn, with nine new episodes again written by Debbie Horsfield.

A BBC spokeswoman has now confirmed that Season 3 will begin in just a couple of months time, commenting: “The earlier filming schedule on this series means that we can bring the much anticipated third series back sooner for fans to Sunday nights in June.”

Watch a teaser…

The new slot will avoid a repeat Season 2’s Sunday night drama clash with Victoria on ITV, which also returns later this year.

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.

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.”

Poldark writer Debbie 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.”

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