The BBC drama aired the first episode of its second season last night. According to the network, the premiere attracted over 5 million viewers, and it’s not hard to see why.
The titular character, played by Irish actor Aidan Turner, infamously scythed while shirtless in the previous season, and in the new episode, the actor went bare-chested again (this time for a mining scene), much to the delight of viewers.
Even the BBC knew this was something worth promoting:
When everything in life seems to be against you, just take off your shirt and go hammer some rocks. 🔨ðŸ'ª #Poldark pic.twitter.com/eEghcrHeiI
— BBC One (@BBCOne) September 4, 2016
Here are some of the public’s reactions:
I've said it before and I'll say it again @AidanTurner is worth the licence fee alone #Poldark @BBCOne
— Emma Davies (@EmCharlotte19) September 4, 2016
George: "How do you inspire such loyalty?"
Ross: "Abs." #Poldark— Melinda Salisbury (@AHintofMystery) September 4, 2016
OOO here we go, some sweaty topless mining. One way to brighten up my Sunday evening... #Poldark
— Lucy Jones (@ByLucyJones) September 4, 2016
Ahem #Poldark putting the "sexy" back into Tin Mining. Approx 3 minutes 16 seconds of shirtless-ness. pic.twitter.com/2s7PEzCQ3p
— Jennifer (@Miss_Space_Geek) September 5, 2016
I've lost the 42 minute Topless Sweepstake but, as @marzillk has pointed out, we have all won #Poldark
— Jeevesina (@jeevesina) September 4, 2016