Poldark and Victoria go head-to-head in Sunday evening ratings battle

Poldark will do battle with Victoria when the much-loved BBC series returns on Sunday night.
Poldark returns to our TV screens tonight in direct opposition to Victoria on ITV.Poldark returns to our TV screens tonight in direct opposition to Victoria on ITV.
Poldark returns to our TV screens tonight in direct opposition to Victoria on ITV.

The Cornish-set drama starring Aidan Turner and Eleanor Tomlinson returns for its second series on BBC One, while a third series is also in the works.

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The ratings-winning finale of the first series last year saw Poldark arrested for murder and plundering a shipwreck and his wife Demelza left alone on the Cornish cliff-top.

Jenna Coleman as Queen VictoriaJenna Coleman as Queen Victoria
Jenna Coleman as Queen Victoria

In the new series Ross faces capital crimes while he and Demelza are still dealing with the death of their daughter, Julia.

Irish actor Turner has won legions of fans with his brooding role as Ross, and his topless scything has become one of the drama’s most famous moments.

Victoria, filmed in Yorkshire, with Jenna Coleman in the lead, beat the opposition when it made its debut on ITV last weekend.

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Former Doctor Who star Coleman stars as the young monarch in the period drama, inheriting the throne at the age of 18.

Jenna Coleman as Queen VictoriaJenna Coleman as Queen Victoria
Jenna Coleman as Queen Victoria

The drama, which also stars Rufus Sewell as prime minister Lord Melbourne and will later feature Tom Hughes as Prince Albert, attracted 5.7 million viewers and 6.1 million at its peak on its debut episode.

Both shows are made by the same producer, Mammoth Screen.

:: Poldark (BBC One) and Victoria (ITV) are both broadcast at 9pm.

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