ITV's 'Victoria' narrowly beat BBC's 'Poldark' in the TV ratings race this weekend.
Aidan Turner
'Poldark' drew a TV audience of 5.1 million viewers when it returned to BBC One on Sunday (04.09.16), which was markedly down on the 6.9 million viewers who tuned into the launch of the first series, while 'Victoria', starring former 'Doctor Who' actress Jenna Coleman as Queen Victoria, attracted an audience of 6.9 million viewers.
By comparison, the launch of ITV's 'X Factor' drew as many as 7.64 million viewers, up by 400,000 on the fourth episode of the 2015 series.
The release of the viewing figures comes shortly after Aidan recently hinted that he will strip off in the new season of 'Poldark'.
The 33-year-old hunk set hearts a flutter in season one when he was filmed scything in a field, and Aidan has suggested something similar could unfold in the coming episodes.
He said previously: "Who says I'm not going topless again this year?
"We had no idea what it would turn into. It just made sense for the scene. I am convinced it was my idea. It was ridiculously hot. Why would he wear a shirt? This is ridiculous. He wouldn't wear a shirt. It was hot, it would rip, it would be stupid."
But Aidan admitted he has to work out constantly to stay in shape to play his on-screen character.
He said: "Now I need to keep in shape for the show or I won't fit the costume. I can't put on a pound. Literally. It is no fun. Seven months of no pasties and loads of press-ups."
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