Shocking storyline cut from next series of Poldark which would have seen ‘married hero forcing ex Elizabeth into bed’
Rape scene is in the third book of author Winston Graham's Poldark tale but decision was made to 'update' TV version
A SHOCK storyline in which Poldark rapes his ex has been axed by the BBC, star Aidan Turner has revealed.
Instead, the married hero will have a fling with first love Elizabeth in the second series of the drama, which starts next month.
The rape scene is in the third book of author Winston Graham’s Poldark tale, called Warleggan, written in 1953.
Ross Poldark grabs Elizabeth – who dumped him for his cousin in the first series – and kisses her after smashing his way into her home.
When she accuses him of treating her “like a slut”, he snarls: “It’s time you were so treated” and forces her onto a bed.
Elizabeth – played on TV by Heida Reed – becomes pregnant with his child.
But actor Aidan, 32, said the BBC1 version will show an affair, rather than an attack.
He explained: “It seems consensual, and it just seems right. He goes to talk. He doesn’t go to commit a crime.
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“They talk and it seems like there is still this spark between them, this unfinished business emotionally.
“Certainly, that’s how Ross feels. He doesn’t force himself upon her.”
The rape scene was included in a 1970s BBC TV adaptation.
But a source said a decision was made to “update” the new version.
The source told The Sun: “Ross is a hero and times have changed since the 1950s and 1970s.
“The new series reflects that in a way that keeps Ross Poldark as the romantic hero that fans want.”
Series one of the smash hit – which averaged 8.1m viewers per episode - ended with Ross and wife Demelza (Eleanor Tomlinson) burying their daughter.
Aidan says war hero Ross – who wed Demelza on the rebound – is in love with both women.
He said: “He is emotionally quite inarticulate. I don’t think he quite understands himself.
“With Elizabeth, he idealised her for so long.
“He’d have thought about her every day on the battlefields. To come home and not have her, not hold her, not marry her. It was very difficult.
“He’s absolutely in love with Demelza. Question is, is it possible to be in love with more than one person?”
Aidan admits Ross has “a nasty side”. He said: “He’s heavily flawed.
“He isn’t just this legend who rides in on a horse and feeds the poor.
“He seems quite real, very proud. We’d almost call him a control freak.
“He can be quite mean and callous, and single-minded and selfish.
“It would be boring to play a character who’s just a do-gooder. He makes mistakes and realises them.”
Aidan revealed that a third series of the Cornish drama is already filming.
And he says his sex symbol image is partly down to his period clothes.
He said: “The clothes are flattering – the waistcoats, pants and nice boots.”
He also said his mum gave his performance her approval, despite being a big fan of the 1975 TV adaptation which starred heart-throb Robin Ellis.
Aidan said: “She was slightly worried I might not match up. But she’s been dead supportive. Thumbs up from Mum!”
A spokesperson for Poldark producers, Mammoth Screen, said: “Winston Graham’s version of events is open to interpretation. Ours is not. Many fans haven’t read the books and don’t appreciate spoilers, so we invite all viewers to watch the episode when it comes out and then make up their own mind"
WHAT THE BOOK SAYS
HE kissed her. She turned her face away but could not get it far enough around to avoid him.
Her eyes were lit with anger. He’d never seen her like it and he found pleasure in it.
‘This is contemptible! I shouldn’t have believed it of you! To force yourself. To insult me.’
‘I don’t like this marriage to George, Elizabeth. I should be glad of your assurance that you’ll not go through with it.’
‘I love George to distraction and shall marry him next week.’
He caught her again, and this time began to kiss her with intense passion.
She smacked his face so he pinioned her arm.
‘You treat me – like a slut.’
‘It’s time you were so treated.’
‘Let me go Ross! You’re hateful, horrible!’
‘Shall you marry him?’
‘Don’t! I’ll scream! Oh, God, Ross. Please. Tomorrow . . .’
‘There’s no tomorrow,’ he said. ‘It doesn’t come.
‘Life is an illusion. Didn’t you know? Let us make the most of the shadows.’
‘Ross, you can’t intend. Stop! Stop, I tell you.’
But he took no further notice. He lifted her in his arms and carried her to the bed.