The Poldarks' baby who died in the television drama is a true survivor in real life, beating the odds to live after being born prematurely.
Matilda Fitt, who played baby Julia Poldark in the heartbreaking end to the series, was born nine weeks early weighing just 2lb 12oz.
However, the 21-month-old girl battled to beat pneumonia to make her small screen debut.
She was chosen to play Julie, who died from putrid throat in the emotional finale of the BBC show, because of her small size.
Matilda's mother Hannah Fitt, 34, revealed it brought tears to her eyes because of her own daughter's fight for life.
She said: "It was very emotional seeing it because of what we've been through. Matilda was in and out of hospital for check ups and tests since birth. She had a lot of breathing difficulties and pneumonia.
"But last September she was finally discharged from hospital consultant care and a few weeks later she won the part of Julia."
Poldark's series one finale ended with a cliffhanger
Mrs Fitt took Matilda from her home in Barry, South Wales, for the filming in Cornwall last year to meet stars Aidan Turner and Eleanor Tomlison.
She said: "The cast were all great with her and Aidan Turner is as lovely as everyone says. All the cast were - especially Eleanor. She's a very special person, extremely down to earth and just lovely - she was great with Matilda.
"Some scenes were tricky to nail because baby Julia is supposed to be really poorly and we knew Matilda did have to die on camera. As you can imagine getting a 15-month-old to play dead was no easy feat but she coped really well.
"In the scene she is lying on a bed fully made up and the doctor is mopping her brow. But I was there with sweets to make sure she was happy."
Elizabeth (played by Heida Reed) and Ross Poldark (played by Aidan Turner) in the BBC show
Millions saw the series finale as Captain Ross and Demalza's baby daughter die of the terrible illness - sending viewers into shock.
The final episode saw the people of Trenwith become stricken with a disease after an outbreak of putrid throat. Demelza went to their aid and then became infected herself passing it on to baby Julia, who tragically died.
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Matilda, who lives with her mother and father Matthew Fitt, was cast as the older of two young children who played Julia.
Mrs Fitt, who works for the SAFE Foundation helping disadvantaged poeple, said: "We spent five days filming. Matilda was a bit of a diva occasionally, but she always came around with some bribery of toys and books.
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"She even had her own trailer and a rider of green grapes. But we want everyone to know that in real life Julie - or Matilda - is very well and doing fine. She is a little star."
