Poldark cast, episodes and spoilers from fifth and final series of the BBC drama

Series 5 of Poldark continues BBC One this weekend and from the cast to series spoilers, here’s all you need to know.

Aidan Turner and Eleanor Tomlinson return to BBC One this evening from 9PM with the fifth episode of the fifth and final series of epic Cornish saga Poldark.

A teaser from the last eight-episode series reads:

With a new century comes the promise of a hopeful future, but the past casts a long shadow over Cornwall. Following the death of Elizabeth, Ross Poldark resolves to put Westminster behind him and spend more time with the people he loves.

However, when an old friend needs help, Ross is compelled to challenge the establishment and question his own loyalties to king and country.

Poldark cast

Aidan Turner reprises his role as the hero Ross Poldark alongside Eleanor Tomlinson as wife Demelza.

Also on the cast are Jack Farthing as George Warleggan, Luke Norris as Dr Dwight Enys, Gabriella Wilde as Caroline Enys, Ellise Chappell as Morwenna Carne, Harry Richardson as Drake Carne and Tom York as Sam Carne.

A number of new cast members are joining Poldark for series five, including Vincent Reganas Ross’ old Army Colonel Ned Despard and Kerri McLean as Ned’s wife Kitty, a former slave.

Sofia Oxenham is the trecherous Tess Tregidden, Peter Sullivan is the wealthy merchant, Ralph Hanson whose daughter Cecily, played by Lily Dodsworth-Evans, befriends Geoffrey Charles, played by Freddie Wise.

Poldark spoilers

In tonight’s penultimate episode, when Ross discovers that his nemesis is linked to a national security threat in Cornwall, he returns to London with Dwight, Kitty and Caroline, who puts her insecurities aside to oppose Merceron (Tim Dutton) in high society.

Ross is dismissed by Wickham, and Caroline is threatened against supporting Kitty’s campaign, as Geoffrey Charlesand Cecily seek Ross’s help in escaping her family.

The party flee London in secret to secure the lovers a future, but Merceron’s reach spans the globe – and our heroes’ enemies follow swiftly in their wake…

In Monday’s series finale, the covert invasion adds a general to their ranks, as Ross seeks the means to foil the plot and prove Merceron and Hanson are involved.

But his refusal to involve Demelza opens old wounds and insecurities, and the suspicion of a romantic motivation. With everything on the line, Georgemust wrestle his prejudice for the sake of saving lives, as the fate of Cornwall hangs in the balance.

Ross actions redeem him with the crown, and as Drake and Morwenna start an adventure in parenthood and Sam and Rosina (Amelia Clarkson) are husband and wife, Ross’s abilities are put to use overseas for King and country.

Watch Poldark online

Poldark’s final two episodes will air on Sunday, August 25 at 8PM and Bank Holiday Monday, August 26 at 8:30PM.

UK license fee payers can watch live online or catch up via the BBC iPlayer here.

You can catch up on past series via DVD and Blu-Ray, Amazon Prime Video or from iTunes

Additionally, the first three seasons are currently available on Netflix.