Disney+ has teased the first peek of its Dame Jilly Cooper adaptation Rivals, ahead of its 2024 release date – and the cast looks EPIC.
The steamy novel is being adapted for TV – and the cast is led by some of ED!‘s absolute favourites, including David Tennant, Aidan Turner, and Danny Dyer.
The book, which was first released in 1988, has been described as “a combination of drama, sex and good social comedy” – which sounds great to us! And the characters in the novel are famously unforgettable… So unsurprisingly, the cast has some huge TV names. We’ve now got photos of some of the cast in character!
Here’s everything you need to know about the Disney+ adaptation of the Jilly Cooper book Rivals, who is in the cast, and when we can watch it.
What’s the plot of Rivals on Disney+?
The Disney+ adaptation of Rivals is set in the fictional county of Rutshire. The story follows the tense rivalry between two men, Rupert Campbell-Black and Lord Tony Baddingham…
Both characters are ambitious, egocentric and charismatic. They work in the cut-throat world of the TV industry – Corinium television – in the 1980s. We love them already!
Speaking about the new show, Rivals author Jilly Cooper said: “I’m utterly enchanted to be able to announce our all-star line-up for Rivals.
“Featuring some of the best acting talent that the British Isles has to offer, I couldn’t have dreamed of a better ensemble cast. I cannot wait to be on set and see them bring the characters I love so much to life.”
Jilly, 87, added: “The minute we met with Alex we knew he’d perfectly embody my all-time hero, the iconic, racy, ruthless, and devastatingly handsome, Rupert Campbell-Black. Viewers are in for a treat!”
Disney+ tells us: “Set against the backdrop of the drama, excess, and shocking antics of the power-grabbing social elite of 1980s England, Rivals delves headfirst into the ruthless world of independent television in 1986.”
Jilly is also executive producer for the series.
Who’s in the cast of Jilly Cooper adaptation Rivals on Disney+?
David Tennant, Aidan Turner, Claire Rushbrook, Danny Dyer, Emily Atack and many more have joined the cast of Rivals on Disney+.
The Boys actor Alex Hassell – aka Translucent – stars as Rupert Campbell-Black. He’s a dashing ex-Olympian, MP, incorrigible rake, and dangerously charismatic!
Doctor Who’s David Tennant will play Lord Tony Baddingham. He’s controller of Corinium Television and Rupert’s single-mindedly ambitious and egotistical rival.
Poldark’s Aidan Turner stars as Declan O’Hara. He’s an intelligent TV presenter, who becomes caught in the crossfire of the long-simmering feud between Rupert and Tony.
Bloodlands‘ actress Victoria Smurfit stars as Declan’s wife Maud O’Hara, who is a former actress herself. Sex Education’s Bella Maclean is Taggie O’Hara, Declan’s tender-hearted yet strong-willed eldest daughter and unexpected temptation for Rupert.
Nafessa Williams – star of Whitney Houston:?I Wanna Dance with Somebody – plays Cameron Cook. Tony brings the ferociously talented American TV executive to England to produce Declan’s new prime-time talk show.
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