The BBC has confirmed that Aidan Turner will be returning for a third series of period drama ‘Poldark’. Turner had been rumoured to be about to ditch the show and sign on to play James Bond instead, but the Irish actor appears to have chosen to scythe over 007’s gadgets.

Aidan TurnerAidan Turner has signed on for a third series of ‘Poldark’.

The show will also be returning to the BBC for its second series later this year. Executive producer Elizabeth Kilgarriff said: “Series two promises to take the audience on another fantastic rollercoaster ride and we’re thrilled to know that the story won’t end there.”

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“It’s a testament to Debbie’s brilliant storytelling and the passion of the Mammoth team that 'Poldark' will be returning for a third series with yet more twists and turns for these much loved characters.”

Damien Timmer, managing director of the show’s producer, Mammoth Screen, added: “'Poldark' is a passion project for all of us, and it’s with real excitement that we prepare for both the launch of series two and our return to Cornwall to shoot series three.”

Turner’s commitment to ‘Poldark’ means he is now seemingly out of the race to play 007. At one point Turner was the bookies favourite, but now large bets are being placed on ‘Happy Valley’ and ‘War and Peace’ star James Norton.

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Jessica Bridge from bookmakers Ladbrokes said: "We're taking a breather on Bond betting whilst the market settles. The gamble on Norton has seemingly come out of nowhere, but money talks, and punters clearly think he's worthy of being 007 favourite if nothing else."