Claire Rushbrook has spoken about the death of her character, Lady Monica Baddingham, in the Disney+ drama Rivals, describing the experience as both "gutting and glorious."
Rushbrook has played Lady Monica since the show first aired in 2024. In the mid-season finale in May, the character was killed off in a tragic twist after enduring years of infidelity and lies in her marriage to Tony, played by David Tennant.
A Tragic End for Lady Monica
After deciding to leave Tony and ask for a divorce, Lady Monica lost her life while driving Declan O'Hara's (Aidan Turner) daughter home during a storm. A tree appeared to crash onto the vehicle, killing Monica instantly.
The episode ended with Rupert Campbell Black (Alex Hassell) telling Tony that Monica had died. Speaking to Radio Times, Rushbrook discussed learning about her character's fate, saying: "I thought it was just a lovely champagne lunch. Then they walloped me round the head with it."
Mixed Feelings on Departure
Reflecting on the character's exit, Rushbrook admitted to conflicting emotions. She said: "I have big, different feelings: immense pride at incredible scenes to play, and the tangible reaction from the audience. But it's also absolutely gutting. Gutting and glorious."
The wait for the second half of series two is nearly over, as a teaser trailer has been released. It shows characters attending a funeral, presumably Monica's, while a voiceover from Agatha "Taggie" O'Hara (Bella Maclean) says: "Everything's falling apart."
Viewer Reaction to the Twist
Following Monica's death, viewers were quick to share their heartbreak online. One viewer said: "Now whyyyy would they do that to Monica?!" Another wrote: "My heart is broken for Monica; she deserved the whole world."
A third person commented: "I'm so mad that they killed Monica off. What is this!!!" One fan shared: "NOT MY POOR MONICA?! NOOO!!! SHE DESERVED TO FIND HAPPINESS."
Another offered an alternative theory, commenting: "Until we see a body, I am choosing to believe Monica told Rupert to tell Tony she died and has instead run away to live her best life with Dame Enid (I know she wouldn't leave her children, so she likely is dead, but I'm being delusional; leave me alone)."
The second half of Rivals returns to Disney+ on November 11.
