By They may have made the most of them, but the executive producers of Poldark have insisted that Aidan Turner's famous shirtless scenes are entirely story-driven.
Damien Timmer told Radio Times that the team were very innocent about Turner's topless moments in the 8-part BBC drama, based on Winston Graham's novels.
"Aidan has that integrity in the way he plays Ross, he commits to it so completely, he is Ross in all of his complex brooding," Timmer said.
"Yes, yes, the shirtlessness!" he added when prompted. "But honestly, we were pretty innocent about the shirt taking-off stuff.
"No, really, Ross does it in the book, he goes swimming, he washes himself clean.
"And he's a farmer, and it's very hot in Cornwall! Besides, we didn't audition him with his clothes off!"
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Talking about the famous topless promotional image, Turner told the magazine: "It was quite odd to walk into a newsagent and see myself holding a scythe with a peculiar smile on my face."
It was confirmed earlier this month that Poldark will return for a second series after its debut run, which was a ratings success.
Before the first series run, Turner told Digital Spy that the show was "sexy as hell", adding: "I have a nude swimming scene - I get naked a couple of times in it.
"I wasn't allowed any Cornish pasties, 'cos I'd get fat - and I have to take my top off so much!"
He later admitted to using "some kind of baby oil" and "eyeliner" to help achieve his smouldering appearance.
