The world of 1980s British television, with its glittering facade and cutthroat rivalries, has been brought vividly to life in the highly anticipated Disney+ series, “Rivals.” Based on Jilly Cooper’s iconic 1988 “bonkbuster” novel of the same name, the show has captivated audiences with its ensemble cast, juicy drama, and scandalous storylines. This article will delve into everything you need to know about the “Rivals Cast,” from its prominent members and their roles to the show’s themes, reception, and future.
What is “Rivals”? A Glimpse into Rutshire’s High Society
“Rivals” is a period drama television series set in the fictional English county of Rutshire in 1986. At its core, the narrative revolves around the long-standing, often acrimonious, rivalry between two powerful men: Rupert Campbell-Black (played by Alex Hassell), a charismatic retired Olympian showjumper and Tory MP, and Lord Tony Baddingham (played by David Tennant), the ruthless managing director of Corinium Television.
Their rivalry, fueled by ambition and personal animosity, permeates the world of the independent commercial television station, Corinium. Into this volatile mix steps Declan O’Hara (played by Aidan Turner), a temperamental Irish former BBC journalist recruited by Tony to host his own show. As Declan and his family – his wife Maud O’Hara (Victoria Smurfit) and daughters Taggie (Bella Maclean) and Caitlin (Catriona Chandler) – navigate the opulent yet morally ambiguous landscape of Rutshire, they become entangled in the web of rivalries, affairs, and power struggles.
The series is known for its unapologetic portrayal of 1980s excess, with themes of ambition, desire, infidelity, social climbing, and the cutthroat nature of the entertainment industry. It’s a world of grand country estates, glamorous parties, and whispered secrets, all underpinned by the unyielding pursuit of power and pleasure.
The Stellar “Rivals Cast”: Who’s Who in Rutshire
One of the most talked-about aspects of “Rivals” is its impressive ensemble cast, featuring a mix of established stars and rising talents. Here’s a rundown of the key players and where you might have seen them before:
The Central Antagonists
Alex Hassell as Rupert Campbell-Black: Hassell masterfully embodies Rupert, the quintessential Jilly Cooper anti-hero – charming, roguish, and deeply flawed. Despite his outward confidence, he struggles with loneliness and complex relationships. Hassell is known for his stage work and roles in TV series like “The Boys” (as Translucent), “His Dark Materials,” and “Cowboy Bebop.”
David Tennant as Lord Tony Baddingham: Tennant delivers a chilling performance as the utterly detestable, cruel, and overly ambitious Tony Baddingham, the managing director of Corinium Television. His relentless pursuit of industry dominance and his illicit affairs drive much of the plot. Tennant is a highly acclaimed Scottish actor, best known for his iconic portrayal of the Tenth Doctor in “Doctor Who,” as well as roles in “Broadchurch,” “Good Omens,” and “Jessica Jones.”
The O’Hara Family
Aidan Turner as Declan O’Hara: Turner portrays Declan, a charismatic but hot-headed Irish journalist who leaves the BBC for Corinium. His integrity often clashes with Tony’s ruthless methods, sparking a bitter feud.
Victoria Smurfit as Maud O’Hara: Smurfit plays Declan’s wife, a former actress struggling with a recovering marriage and feeling overlooked. Maud’s flirtatious nature and desire for attention add depth and tension to the O’Hara family dynamics.
Bella Maclean as Agatha ‘Taggie’ O’Hara: Maclean brings a sympathetic and earnest portrayal to Taggie, Declan and Maud’s overlooked middle child. With aspirations of opening her own catering company, Taggie often serves as the moral compass of the family and develops a complex relationship with Rupert Campbell-Black. Maclean recently gained recognition for her role as Jem in the final season of “Sex Education.”
Catriona Chandler as Caitlin O’Hara: The youngest O’Hara daughter, attending boarding school, Caitlin also navigates the turbulent family environment.
Other Key Characters and Their Actors
Nafessa Williams as Cameron Cook: Williams plays Cameron, an ambitious American TV producer recruited by Tony to work at Corinium, with whom she also has an affair. Williams is known for her role in “Black Lightning.”
Katherine Parkinson as Lizzie Vereker: Parkinson portrays Lizzie, a romance author and Rupert’s good friend, who feels neglected by her narcissistic husband. She develops a romantic connection with Freddie Jones.
Oliver Chris as James Vereker: Chris plays Lizzie’s self-absorbed husband, a TV host at Corinium who often steals the limelight. Chris has appeared in “The Crown” and “The Office.”
Danny Dyer as Freddie Jones: Dyer brings a down-to-earth charm to Freddie, a self-made successful electronics businessman in a loveless marriage, who is attracted to Lizzie. Dyer is widely recognized for his long-standing role as Mick Carter in “EastEnders.”
Emily Atack as Sarah Stratton: Attack embodies Sarah, a promiscuous socialite and the second wife of MP Paul Stratton, with aspirations of being a television presenter. Attack is known for “The Inbetweeners” and various comedy roles.
Rufus Jones as Paul Stratton: Jones plays Sarah’s husband, an MP embroiled in an adultery scandal.
Claire Rushbrook as Monica, Lady Baddingham: Rushbrook portrays Tony’s introverted and generally uninvested wife.
Luke Pasqualino as Basil ‘Bas’ Baddingham: Pasqualino plays Tony’s charming and promiscuous younger half-brother, who owns the local bar. Known from “Skins” and “The Musketeers.”
The collaborative spirit among the “Rivals” cast and crew has been highlighted, with casting director Kelly Valentine Hendry emphasizing the importance of finding actors who seamlessly fit the tone and ensemble.
What is “Rivals Cast” Known For? The Appeal and Themes
The “Rivals Cast” as a collective is known for bringing to life a highly anticipated adaptation of a beloved novel. The series has resonated with audiences due to several key factors:
Faithful yet Modern Adaptation: While retaining the spirit and scandalous nature of Jilly Cooper’s novel, the series has made subtle updates to reflect contemporary sensibilities, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ representation (with Charles Fairburn’s storyline) and a more nuanced look at sensitive topics.
Juicy Drama and Escapism: “Rivals” offers a compelling escape into a world of wealth, power, and passionate affairs. It’s a “bonkbuster” for the modern age, filled with scandalous secrets, betrayals, and romantic entanglements.
Strong Performances: The caliber of the cast, particularly David Tennant’s turn as the villainous Tony Baddingham and Alex Hassell’s magnetic Rupert Campbell-Black, has been widely praised. The chemistry among the actors, especially between Rupert and Taggie, adds to the show’s allure.
Nostalgic Appeal: For fans of the original novel and those with a fondness for the 1980s, “Rivals” offers a nostalgic journey back to a bygone era of shoulder pads, power suits, and pre-internet gossip.
Exploration of Power Dynamics: Beyond the romance and scandal, the series delves into the power dynamics within families, relationships, and the ruthless world of television, showcasing how ambition can both elevate and corrupt.
Audience Demographics and Reception
“Rivals” has garnered significant audience demand, particularly in the United Kingdom, where it achieved 11.7 times the audience demand of an average show. This indicates a strong and engaged viewership. While specific detailed demographics are often proprietary, the show’s broad appeal suggests it attracts:
Fans of Period Dramas: Those who enjoy opulent settings, historical fashion, and complex character relationships.
Readers of Jilly Cooper: A dedicated fanbase familiar with her “Rutshire Chronicles” novels.
Viewers interested in character-driven dramas: Audiences who appreciate a focus on intricate relationships and moral ambiguities.
Followers of the prominent cast members: The inclusion of well-known actors like David Tennant and Aidan Turner naturally draws in their existing fanbases.
The show’s demand trends suggest good longevity and potential for franchising, with an overlap in audience interest with shows like “Succession” and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” highlighting its appeal to those who enjoy complex narratives and character-driven conflict.
“Rivals Cast” Controversies and Speculations
While “Rivals” has been generally well-received, much of the “controversy” or speculation surrounding the cast has revolved around plot points and the future of certain characters, especially given the cliffhanger ending of Season 1.
David Tennant’s Character’s Fate: The first season ended with Lord Tony Baddingham’s life hanging in the balance after a dramatic altercation. This left fans eagerly awaiting news on whether David Tennant would return for Season 2. It has since been confirmed that he will reprise his role, albeit in what capacity remains a key question.
Sexual Content and Intimacy: Given the “bonkbuster” nature of the source material, “Rivals” features a fair amount of sexual content. The actors, including Aidan Turner, have spoken about the presence of intimacy coaches on set, highlighting the professional approach to depicting these scenes.
Character Interpretations and Adaptations: While generally faithful, adaptations often face scrutiny from devoted fans of the original work. Any deviations from the novel’s plot or character portrayals can lead to discussions and debates among the fanbase.
Net Worth and Collaborations (Actors’ Individual Careers)
It’s important to distinguish between the “Rivals Cast” as a collective entity and the individual careers and net worths of its highly successful actors. Information on the collective “Rivals Cast” net worth is not publicly available, as it’s a production. However, many of the actors involved are established professionals with significant individual wealth accumulated through their extensive careers in film, television, and theatre.
For instance, David Tennant, with his long and successful career across various major franchises and acclaimed dramas, commands a substantial net worth. Similarly, actors like Aidan Turner, Katherine Parkinson, and Danny Dyer have built considerable wealth through their prominent roles over the years.
The “Rivals” production has also seen collaborations with various creative professionals behind the scenes, including:
Dominic Treadwell-Collins and Alexander Lamb: Executive producers from Happy Prince, who have been instrumental in bringing the novel to the screen.
Jilly Cooper: The author herself serves as an executive producer, ensuring the essence of her beloved work is preserved.
Kelly Valentine Hendry and KVH Casting: The casting directors responsible for assembling the impressive ensemble, known for their collaborative approach.
Future Plans: “Rivals” Season 2 and Beyond
Fans of “Rivals” have reason to rejoice, as Disney+ has officially greenlit a second season. Filming for Season 2 commenced in May 2025, with an extended run of 12 episodes (four more than the inaugural season), promising even more wit, desire, and dramatic twists.
The core “Rivals Cast” is confirmed to return, including David Tennant, Alex Hassell, Aidan Turner, Nafessa Williams, Bella Maclean, Katherine Parkinson, Danny Dyer, Victoria Smurfit, Claire Rushbrook, Oliver Chris, Lisa McGrillis, Emily Atack, Rufus Jones, Luke Pasqualino, Catriona Chandler, and Annabel Scholey. Additionally, new faces are expected to join the cast, further expanding the Rutshire universe.
Final Thoughts
The “Rivals Cast” has successfully brought to life a world of captivating drama, unbridled passion, and sharp social commentary. As the series moves into its second season, the anticipation for more scandalous revelations, intricate relationships, and the continued brilliance of its ensemble cast remains at an all-time high.
FAQs
What is “Rivals” on Disney about?
“Rivals” is a period drama set in the fictional English county of Rutshire in 1986. It centers around the intense rivalry between two powerful men: Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell), a charming but roguish former Olympian and Tory MP, and Lord Tony Baddingham (David Tennant), the ruthless managing director of Corinium Television. Their feud spills over into their personal lives and the cutthroat world of independent commercial television, drawing in a host of other characters including journalist Declan O’Hara (Aidan Turner) and his family. The series is known for its “bonkbuster” style, exploring themes of ambition, desire, infidelity, social climbing, and the excesses of the 1980s.
Is “Rivals” based on a book?
Yes, “Rivals” is a television adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s iconic 1988 novel of the same name. It is part of her popular “Rutshire Chronicles” series. Jilly Cooper herself serves as an executive producer on the show, ensuring its faithfulness to the spirit of her original work.
What are the “Rutshire Chronicles”?
“Rivals” is the second novel in Jilly Cooper’s “Rutshire Chronicles,” a series of eleven novels primarily set in the fictional English county of Rutshire, often revolving around the lives of the British upper-class, particularly those involved in showjumping and polo. The character of Rupert Campbell-Black links many of the stories. The other books in the series include Riders, Polo, The Man Who Made Husbands Jealous, and more.
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