Danny Dyer has joined an all-star cast, including David Tennant and Aidan Turner, in Disney+'s new eight-part series Rivals. The adaptation of Jilly Cooper's iconic novel has begun filming, with actors spotted on set in Gloucestershire earlier this week.
The cast also features Emily Atack, Katherine Parkinson, Oliver Chris, and Claire Rushbrook. Dyer, 45, will play Freddie Jones, a self-made electronics millionaire, while Lisa McGrillis has been cast as his wife Valerie. The story is set in 1986 and follows the cut-throat world of independent television, focusing on the rivalry between Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) and Lord Tony Baddingham (Tennant).
Poldark star Aidan Turner will play intelligent TV presenter Declan O'Hara, whom Baddingham convinces to leave the BBC for independent channel Corinium. Victoria Smurfit will play his wife Maud O'Hara, with Bella MacLean and Catriona Chandler as their daughters Taggie and Caitlin. Dyer was spotted on set with a handlebar moustache and longer-haired wig, while Tennant added a padded jacket over his costume between scenes.
Executive producer and author Jilly Cooper commented: '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.' According to Disney+, Rivals is a 'joyously mischievous rollercoaster ride, steamy in its love stories and packed with larger-than-life characters.'
