Almost without exception the book is exceptionally better than the movie, is better than the re-make, is better than the sequel. I say almost without exception, as I bow to the pen of Winston Graham and his fabulous series of novels about Cornwall and its folk, the Poldarks and their family, friends and neighbours.

I first read the series of novels when I was in my teens and they have been favourites on my bookshelves ever since. When the BBC announced the serialisation of the first few novels in the 1970s, I waited with baited breath and a deep anxiety that the series would somehow tarnish my ‘love affair’ with the good Captain and my other favourite characters. I needn’t have worried however, as Robin Ellis and the beautiful, late Angharad Rees, otherwise known as Lady McAlpine CBE, portrayed the characters with a flare and diligence to Mr Graham’s books that more than did them justice and the series soon won the hearts of the nation and became modern classics.

Now we see the re-make on the horizon, complete with modern effects and technology that promise to enhance the series even further. Captain Ross looks set to be ably played by the brooding Aidan Turner and along with many others I look forward with relish to the re-make being aired on our screens, the sooner the better. Fingers crossed that it won’t disappoint. Trailers and teasers of the show promise the goods.