Poldark returns, but without Ross's bare torso

BBC Eleanor Tomlinson and Aidan TurnerBBC

Spoiler warning: Do not read if you've not yet watched series three, episode one.

If you were starting to feel withdrawal symptoms from not seeing Ross Poldark and the sweeping Cornish coastline, you were rewarded on Sunday with the return of the BBC One drama.

The series kicked off with a birth, two deaths and a marriage - and the introduction of three new characters including Demelza's two brothers, Drake and Sam.

But what most viewers were disappointed to see, was the lack of bare torso from Poldark himself which helped make Aidan Turner famous.

Even critics were quick to point it out in their reviews.

"Ross, you might find it more comfortable without your top. Boo, you're no fun any more."
"Ross kept his kit on... though he did go in for some manly high-intensity beach sprints."

Others hoped Demelza's genetically blessed brothers might fill the hole Poldark's covered chest has left behind.

"It won't be long before they are bathing in streams and skinny-dipping in time-honoured Poldark tradition."

Despite torso-watch, everyone agreed it was a welcome return to screens as the summer TV schedule gets under way.

"It's just the tonic you need on a likely drizzly British Sunday night in the 21st Century."
"It's an absorbing, atmospheric antidote to the spray tans and gymbots preening on Love Island and Big Brother."

Viewers were also keen to share their views on Twitter - here are some of our favourites.

BBC/Twitter Poldark Twitter reactionBBC/Twitter

You can read all the reviews in full in The Guardian, The Telegraph, Daily Mail, Digital Spy and Independent.

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