'Poldark' star Aidan Turner unrecognisable after growing huge beard

Poldark actor Aidan Turner surprised fans at the premiere of series 5 - the last season - with his uncharacteristically huge beard, and admission that he does his own stunts on the BBC One show.

Turner was dressed in dark jeans, black T-shirt and boots, and he’s moved away from his character Captain Ross’ trademark clean-cut look for a bushier hairstyle and beard.

Speaking at the post-screening Q&A, Turner also told fans that he does indeed do his own stunts on the show.

Turner sat alongside cast and crew from the show, including writer Debbie Horsfield, producer Karen Thrussell, actor Ellise Chapell, who plays Morwenna Chynoweth, actor Jack Farthing, who plays George Warleggen and actor Luke Norris, who plays Dr Dwight Enys.

In answer to host Georgie Barrat’s question,”Do you always do your own stunts?” Turner said “Yes!” He then laughed along with the audience, adding,”I think I do!”

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He asked producer Karen Thrussell, sat to his right, “Do you sneak in a stunt every now and again?”

She started to reply, “I think you had a stunt...”

Turner, rubbing his beard, added: “I think... only galloping by the cliffs, was it?” addressing Thrussell and writer Debbie Horsfield at the very end of the line-up.

An Argentinian Poldark fan account tweeted pictures of the panel, and teased: ”I can't say much but I will say this: Almost everyone know that Dwight Enys is Ross' best friend. Almost everyone.”

According to another member of the audience, “Such is the power of Poldark that some fans had travelled from the States especially to see the BFI preview and Q&A with cast members Aiden Turner, Ellise Chappell, Jack Farthing and Luke Norris.”

Those lucky enough to get a sneak peek of the new series said good things: “Well episode 1 of the final season was very enjoyable. Looking forward to seeing the rest of #Poldark season 5 when It returns next month!”

Presenter Georgie Barrat tweeted: “Such a pleasure interviewing the cast of Poldark last night ahead of the new series. Ooo you’ve got a good final series coming your way in July! Lovely meeting some of the fans as well - did you guys love your sneak peek?”

One fan ended up bumping into some of the cast after their after-party: “After the screening many of the cast went upstairs in #BFI to a party (not Aidan) You'll be surprised to hear that I want to the bar (with @eewhite81 and others..) As we were leaving so were some of the #Poldark cast.. Harry..”

There was no Aidan Turner at the after-party, as he’d already headed off. One fan shared a parting shot of Turner and his beard: “Sorry guys. Been out having fun! Here's #AidanTurner leaving the BFI.”

Poldark Season 5 will air on BBC One later this year.