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The original eight-part blockbuster is based on the iconic novel by Dame Jilly Cooper, which is part of her Rutshire Chronicles series packed full of romantic entanglements, dastardly deals, sex and wit.
London, U.K. (June 26, 2024) Disney+ have today revealed a first-look teaser trailer, and further character stills, for the hugely anticipated eight-part series, “Rivals”, based on the celebrated novel by Dame Jilly Cooper and produced by Happy Prince, part of ITV Studios. 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. The series is set to debut on Hulu in the U.S. and on Disney+ in other countries later this year.
Nine more iconic characters from the drama have been unveiled in this second wave of images, introducing Sarah Stratton (Emily Atack – ‘The Emily Atack Show, ‘The Inbetweeners’), Caitlin O’Hara (Catriona Chandler – ‘Pistol’, ‘Enola Holmes 2’), James Vereker (Oliver Chris – ‘The Crown’, ‘Trying’), Freddie Jones (Danny Dyer – ‘EastEnders, The Football Factory’), Paul Stratton (Rufus Jones – ‘W1A’, ‘Home’), Valerie Jones (Lisa McGrillis – ‘Maternal’, ‘Mum’), Bas Baddingham (Luke Pasqualino – ‘Skins’, ‘Shantaram’), Lady Monica Baddingham (Claire Rushbrook – ‘Sherwood’, ‘Ali & Ava’) and Maud O’Hara (Victoria Smurfit – ‘Bloodlands’, ‘Once Upon A Time’).
The first-looks feature alongside a teaser trailer showcasing the 80’s set saga which also stars Alex Hassell, Bella Maclean, Katherine Parkinson, David Tennant, Aidan Turner and Nafessa Williams.
FURTHER CHARACTER AND SHOW INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE HERE: https://press.disney.co.uk/news/star-studded-rivals-cast-unveiled-for-disney+
“Rivals” is executive produced by Dominic Treadwell-Collins (‘A Very English Scandal’, ‘Holding’, ‘EastEnders’), Alexander Lamb (‘Ackley Bridge’, ‘The Bay’, ‘We Hunt Together’), Felicity Blunt, Olivier Award-winning playwright Laura Wade (‘The Riot Club’), “Rivals” author Dame Jilly Cooper and Director of Scripted Content for Disney+ EMEA Lee Mason. “Rivals” is produced by Happy Prince, which is part of ITV Studios. The series is written by Dominic Treadwell-Collins and Laura Wade alongside the series episodic writers room which includes: Sophie Goodhart (‘The Baby’, ‘Sex Education’), Marek Horn (‘Wild Swimming’, ‘Octopolis’), Mimi Hare & Clare Naylor (‘The Accidental Husband’), Dare Aiyegbayo (‘The Dumping Ground,’ ‘EastEnders’), Kefi Chadwick (‘Looted’, ‘Avoidance’). Tray Agyeman is a shadow writer on episode 6, and Sorcha Kurien Walsh (‘The Pink Pill’) is staff writer in the room. The Casting Director is Kelly Valentine Hendry (‘Bridgerton’, ‘The Last Kingdom’, ‘Kaos’).
The lead director is BAFTA-nominated Elliot Hegarty (‘Ted Lasso, Cheaters’, ‘Trying’), who also serves as executive producer on episodes 1-4. Eliza Mellor (‘The Midwich Cuckoos’, ‘Behind Her Eyes’, ‘Poldark’) serves as Series Producer. Dee Koppang O’Leary (“The Crown”) and Alexandra Brodski (“Somewhere Boy”) also direct episodes.
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