An iconic Eighties singer is reportedly joining the cast of Disney+'s hit series Rivals for a special cameo appearance in its upcoming second season.
Legendary Cameo for Hit Drama
According to reports, Irish-British crooner Chris de Burgh will feature in a scene where he performs his global 1986 hit, 'The Lady in Red'. The track, which topped charts worldwide but has also been labelled one of the most 'annoying' songs ever, will be woven into the narrative of the raunchy drama.
The show, an adaptation of Jilly Cooper's famous 'bonkbuster' novel set in the fictional county of Rutshire, was a major success for Disney+ upon its debut in 2024. The second season is due to air later this year and will see the return of the ensemble cast including David Tennant, Aidan Turner, Danny Dyer, Alex Hassell, Bella Maclean, and Emily Atack.
A Perfect Period Piece
A show insider told The Sun that producers sought a romantic number to perfectly capture the late Eighties atmosphere. 'What better choice than 'Lady in Red',' the source said. 'And when it came time to have someone perform it, why not get the man himself to do the honours as he's still out there going strong.'
This won't be the first time the ballad features in the series. It was previously used to soundtrack a poignant dance between characters Taggie (Bella Maclean) and Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) in the first season.
De Burgh has previously spoken about the double-edged sword of having such a defining hit. In a 2012 interview with The Independent, he noted that the song's enormous success sometimes overshadowed his wider body of work. 'One of the problems of having such a huge worldwide hit... is that you get pigeon-holed,' he reflected.
Honouring Jilly Cooper's Legacy
The new season will follow a debut that earned rave reviews for its cast, soundtrack, and its blend of 'silly' and 'sexy' tones. The first season's soundtrack was packed with Eighties classics from acts like Robert Palmer, Paul Simon, Depeche Mode, and Wham!.
The production holds a special significance following the death of original author Jilly Cooper in October 2025 at the age of 88. Cast members paid heartfelt tributes to the beloved writer. Alex Hassell recalled her generosity, stating she was 'gorgeous and caring to the last'. Emily Atack praised the 'huge honour' of being welcomed into 'Jilly World'.
Disney+ and a representative for Chris de Burgh have been approached for comment regarding the reported cameo.
