Star of 'The Hobbit' and Dublin born actor Aidan Turner is set to star in a new TV series 'Poldark', which is due to go head to head with 'Downton' in the ratings. The TV show is actually a remake of a classic BBC TV series from the 70's, with the original star Robin Ellis bearing a striking resemblance to Turner.

The original 'Poldark' series...

He will take over as the lead character Ross Poldark, in a show that's described as a romantic saga about a British officer returning from the American Revolutionary War. It's planned that the new series will stay true to the original, focusing on Poldark’s return to a much changed home life with his father now dead and his wife engaged to his cousin.

Turner has previously starred in TV shows 'Being Human' and 'The Clinic', and of course his breakout role, playing archer Kili in the first two 'Hobbit' movies of the trilogy.

Aidan Turner in The Hobbit

The new series of six hour-long episodes will probably air next year.