Inside Poldark star Aidan Turner's life from secret to new role on Disney's Rivals

Aidan Turner, best known for his role as the lead character in One's Poldark, is set to win over more fans globally as he takes on the role of Irish journalist Declan O'Hara in the Disney Plus series, Rivals.

The risque new series, based on the best-selling novels by renowned British author Jilly Cooper, is hitting the streaming service this week. It features a stellar cast including David Tennant, Danny Dyer and Katherine Parkinson.

41-year-old Aidan, who also featured in BBC Three's Being Human, is sure to wow international audiences with his latest performance, reports .

But what does the star's life look like away from the camera and how did he first enter the limelight? Before the new series premieres, we delve into the life of the celebrated Poldark actor.

How did Aidan Turner break into television?

Aiden Turner was born in Dublin and became a successful ballroom dancer, once obtaining third place in the adult section of the Irish National Championships, before graduating from the Gaiety School of Acting in 2004.

He appeared in several theatrical productions before landing his first uncredited television appearance in 2007 in an episode of The Tudors.

Irish viewers might recognise Aidan from his appearance on RTE’s The Clinic between 2008 and 2009, which gave him his big break into TV.

After that, he starred in the 2009 BBC series Desperate Romantics and gained further attention as one of the main leads in BBC Three’s Being Human between 2009 and 2011.

Aiden has also appeared in Hollywood blockbusters, including Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit trilogy between 2012 and 2014, where he played the dwarf Kili.

Most fans will recognise him as the eponymous character and heartthrob of the BBC adaptation of Winston Graham's Poldark, which shot him into stardom in 2015.

Now, it seems he’s about to reach new heights in the Disney Plus series Rivals, which is already being hailed as one of this year’s must-watch shows.

Who is Aidan Turner’s wife?

Aidan Turner is married to American actress Caitlin FitzGerald, 41, who starred as Tabitha in HBO’s Succession.

The pair first met while filming the fantasy film The Man Who Killed Hitler And Then The Bigfoot in 2018.

In 2019, they finally went public with their relationship when Aidan admitted to the press: “I do have a girlfriend, yeah.”

The couple then tied the knot in a secret wedding in Italy back in August 2020, with the low-key wedding going completely unreported until March of the following year.

While the couple don’t often comment on their relationship, a source told the Sun that they “couldn’t wait to get hitched” and are “madly in love”.

They added: “They're both very private and have kept the ceremony very much under wraps, but he has been seen taking lockdown walks with his wedding ring on show.

“Aidan hasn't been in a rush to get wed and has very much been waiting for 'The One' to come along — and anyone who sees them knows they're the perfect match.”

Does Aidan Turner have children?

Aidan Turner and his wife Caitlin FitzGerald haven’t commented on their family life much, preferring to keep it away from the cameras.

However, reports indicate the pair welcomed a child together in January 2022, with pictures of them pushing a pram through the streets of London emerging the following month.

All eight episodes of Rivals will be available to stream on Friday, October 18 on Disney Plus.