Disney+ has made a nostalgic casting coup for the second series of its hit drama Rivals, securing an unlikely cameo from 1980s music icon Chris De Burgh. The 77-year-old singer-songwriter will reportedly appear as a fictional musician, performing his timeless ballad Lady In Red during a lavish wedding scene.
A Perfect 80s Moment
The show, which is set in the decadent 1980s, is filming its next season. Producers sought a romantic track that perfectly captured the era's essence. A source revealed, 'The producers wanted a romantic number that would perfectly encapsulate the late Eighties, so what better choice than Lady In Red.' They added that getting the man himself to perform it was the logical choice, noting De Burgh is 'still out there going strong.'
This year marks a significant milestone for the song, as it celebrates 40 years since it first topped the charts. Its inclusion in one of television's biggest current series provides a double celebration. The source did humourously acknowledge that the song's tender emotion might contrast with the show's famously steamy storylines, which are set to continue unabated in the new episodes.
Intimacy Coaches in High Demand
The news follows recent comments from star Danny Dyer about the show's intense filming schedule. Dyer, who plays self-made businessman Freddie Jones, revealed the production has hired 'every intimacy coach in the land' for the upcoming twelve-episode run, which films until March next year. He candidly discussed the challenges of filming sex scenes, calling it 'a mad thing to do.'
Based on Jilly Cooper's novel, the first series of Rivals was a major success for Disney+, leading to an expanded order for the second season. Dyer's performance has been widely praised for bringing heart to the frothy drama, contributing to a career reassessment for the actor following his long stint in EastEnders. He recently won a BAFTA for Best Male Performance in a Comedy for his role in Mr Bigstuff.
Legacy and New Horizons
For Chris De Burgh, the cameo represents a high-profile return to the spotlight, introducing his classic hit to a new generation. For the show, it adds an authentic layer of 1980s glamour and nostalgia. Meanwhile, Danny Dyer has expressed excitement about his evolving career, stating he is now in a position to be more selective with roles. 'I think I’ll be defined by what I say no to,' he told Esquire magazine, reflecting on past choices driven by financial necessity.
Disney+ and representatives for Chris De Burgh have been contacted for comment regarding the reported casting. Fans of the show and 80s music alike will be eager to see how this iconic musical moment intertwines with the continuing saga of power, passion, and rivalry.
