Danny Dyer has opened up about the profound emotional impact of Dame Jilly Cooper's death during the production of the second season of the Disney+ series Rivals. The actor, who portrays businessman Freddie Jones in the award-winning drama, described the late author as "part of the fabric" of the show, which is based on her best-selling novel.
A Palpable Presence on Set
In a recent interview with Rolling Stone UK, the 48-year-old actor reflected on the "tragic news" of Cooper's passing, which occurred unexpectedly last October at age 88 following injuries from a fall. Dyer revealed that despite her physical absence, Cooper's spirit remains a tangible presence throughout the filming process.
"We lost Jilly Cooper during shooting, and it made things even more emotional," Dyer stated. "She's part of the fabric and you definitely feel like she's in the air, which makes it even more of a shame that she won't see it. It's been a long shoot and when we all got the tragic news, it just gave us another push to go, 'right, let's get this done and make it as brilliant as it can be.'"
The Series and Its Cast
Rivals, which features an ensemble cast including David Tennant, Aidan Turner, and Alex Hassell, is set against the backdrop of the 1980s Cotswolds countryside. The series explores the high-stakes world of British television, where professional ambitions and personal lives collide dramatically, leaving careers, marriages, and reputations hanging by a thread.
Since departing his long-standing role as Mick Carter in the BBC soap EastEnders in 2022, Dyer has received significant critical acclaim for his dramatic performances, particularly his work in Rivals. He expressed genuine surprise at this shift in perception from critics who previously viewed him differently.
Career Reflections and Personal Drive
"It's been a surprise to me, all of a sudden, that I'm being acknowledged by the critics that have just seen me as a bit of a laughing stock over the years," Dyer told the magazine. Addressing past criticisms of his 'hard man' roles, he added a thoughtful perspective on his career motivations.
"I'm so long in the game now, I don't take anything to heart. What I'm doing is not trying to change the world. I'm just providing for my family, and as an actor that's a really difficult thing to do. Can I keep working? Can I keep paying bills? Can I give my family a good life? That's essentially what my drive is and that's what I'm in it for. If, along the way, people want to dig me out for some of the films I've done in the past, then that's fine."
The emotional weight of Cooper's passing has added a deeper layer to the production of Rivals season 2, with Dyer and the cast channeling their feelings into creating what they hope will be a brilliant tribute to the beloved author's legacy.
