‘Poldark’ will go head-to-head in a ratings war with The X Factor.
The second series of the hit BBC drama, based on the novels of Winston Graham, is set to air on Sunday evenings when it returns in September and clash with Simon Cowell’s talent show.
ITV bosses are said to be fearful that viewers will be tempted to tune in to see hunky Aiden Turner portray troubled protagonist Ross Poldark once again, rather than watch the X Factor’s results show and cause ratings to plummet.
However, the schedule means it should only affect two of Simon’s shows, and a source said: "The Sunday night X Factor show could well come off worse. Poldark is hugely popular. It’s a headache the bosses really didn’t need. Luckily, this will only affect two shows."
The second ten-part series may not have even hit television screens yet but BBC bosses have already decided to commission a third installment following the huge success of the first.
Damien Timmer, Mammoth Screen Managing Director, 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."
The BBC has confirmed Turner will return for the third series when filming kicks off in Cornwall and Bristol, where the other two installments were shot, in September.
A spokesperson explained: "The third series will be filmed in even more stunning locations across Cornwall and Bristol later this year for transmission in 2017."
It’s not yet known if any more series are in the pipeline as of yet but the 33-year-old actor previously revealed he would love to bring to life all 12 novels Winston penned from 1945 until 2002 to the small screen.
He said at the time: "It’s about six seasons’ worth! I’m up for six, if we make it that far."
The second series of ‘Poldark’, which is set in 1794, is expected to hit screens in the autumn and will follow Aidan’s alter-ego Ross as he deals with his own battles while the French revolution casts a shadow over life in Cornwall.
Poldark to challenge The X Factor in ratings war
