THE brooding looks, the bodice-ripping romance and the excitement of of a cracking story. Yes, Poldark is back.

If, like me, you were entranced in the ‘70s by the hero of Winston Graham’s compelling books, Ross Poldark then in the TV persona of Robin Ellis, you might be a little wary of a re-make.

But after the first episode on Sunday, it’s likely this will prove another resounding hit. Apart from good-looking Irish actor Aidan Turner as our hero, plus an excellent supporting cast, there is another good reason for this series’ success.

The gorgeous Cornish countryside captures the imagination and the vision as much today as it ever did, perhaps more so with improved camera techniques developed in the intervening years.

The new series is also written by the excellent Debbie Horsfield, which is normally enough to guarantee any hit TV series. This, combined with the visual beauty of Cornwall and plenty of swashbuckling action, is probably sufficient for Poldark to become compulsive Sunday night viewing all over again.