A man of contradictions, Ross has a strong sense of social justice but a contempt for authority. He has recently returned from the American War of Independence, fighting for the British, to his beloved Cornwall. When he returns he finds that his father has died, the family estate in ruins and his sweetheart Elizabeth engaged to his cousin Francis.
Aidan Turner on Ross
"When we first meet Ross he is in turmoil. He went away to war a young, cocky, confident character with a carefree attitude, who was running away from a lot of things. In America he was faced with death on a daily basis and then when he returns to England he doesn't really know who he is anymore.
Ross knows he needs to pick himself up and try and find who he is.
Aidan Turner
"When he arrives back in Cornwall everything's changed for him: his father has died, his land is barren, the local tin mines are going through a hard time and laying off workers, leaving the region on its knees, and he's lost Elizabeth, his childhood sweetheart who he expected to marry on his return.
"Ross knows he needs to pick himself up and try and find who he is and where he lies in this new world. He's strong – that's what I love about him – he's someone who can get on with things; he doesn't wallow in self-pity or despair. He sees a situation for what it is and drags himself through it. He admires hard working people and treats people with respect if they earn it - no matter what their position in life. He is an original class warrior!"
