Aidan Turner, star of 'Poldark', as been setting hearts racing. Those who tuned in for the season premiere were treated to the sight of the titular character striding along a Cornish beach shirtless.

The gutsy period drama is based on Winston Graham's novels of the same name. Aidan Turner stars in the main role, returning to Cornwall after the War of Independence in America. The show is currently in its fourth series, with Poldark protecting Cornwall from malicious MPs and even starvation. However, it’s not what Poldark does politically that has fans talking. Instead, viewers are blushing at his beach-ready body.

That’s right, ‘Poldark’ opens up with Turner emerging from the sea, topless. The media has gone into a frenzy, with The Guardian comparing it to ITV’s ‘Love Island’. Writing for The Sun, Carl Greenwood said the show’s “shirtless sea scene had viewers feeling hot and sweaty”.

Meanwhile, fans flocked to Twitter to gush over Poldark.

Very strong start to this series of #Poldark. License fee money well spent IMHO. pic.twitter.com/do2Z9Jdt11

— Irritable Powell Syndrome (@misslucyp) June 10, 2018

The Cornish scenery is majestic #Poldark pic.twitter.com/88Bz0w1Vei

— Louise Burch (@Smokesb) June 10, 2018

Aidan Turner - setting unrealistic beauty standards for men since 2015...#Poldark pic.twitter.com/wyx4D4Kvam

— Scott Birrell (@s_birrell) June 10, 2018

There was also a handful of memes too.

#Poldark putting the bins out pic.twitter.com/TD00IQl2Fa

— simon buschenfeld (@buschenfeld) June 10, 2018

Is this #Poldark or #LoveIsland or the ultimate crossover? pic.twitter.com/64c0tpOvR5

— Sarah Doran (@sarahisnothere) June 10, 2018

.@rickygervais Worst Poldark episode ever ... pic.twitter.com/QuQj1QQnEa

— Tony (@purbrooktony) June 11, 2018

Catch 'Poldark' Sundays on BBC One.