The long-awaited television adaptation of Jilly Cooper's seminal novel Rivals is finally coming to screens, with Disney+ confirming an eight-part series that promises to capture all the scandal, passion and corporate intrigue of the original book.
From Page to Screen: A 40-Year Journey
Cooper's sprawling tale of power struggles within the television industry during the glamorous yet cutthroat 1980s has been in development for television since its publication in 1988. The author herself expressed delight at the project's revival, having previously seen multiple adaptation attempts stall over the decades.
'I'm absolutely thrilled that after so many years, Rivals is finally being made,' Cooper told The Independent. 'I cannot wait to see my characters brought to life.'
Behind the Scenes of the Adaptation
The series will be written by acclaimed screenwriter Dominic Treadwell-Collins, known for his transformative work on EastEnders, alongside actress and writer Laura Wade. The production promises to be a lavish period piece, recreating the extravagant world of 1980s television executives and their complicated personal lives.
The story follows two television executives, Rupert Campbell-Black and Tony Baddingham, as they battle for control of Corinium Television while navigating tangled romantic relationships and professional betrayals.
Why Now is the Perfect Time for Rivals
According to the production team, the themes of media consolidation, corporate ambition and personal ambition explored in Rivals feel remarkably relevant to today's streaming landscape. The series will examine how power operates in the media world - a subject that has only grown more complex since the 1980s.
The adaptation aims to capture both the nostalgic glamour of the era and the timeless nature of Cooper's observations about human nature, ambition and desire.
What to Expect from the Series
Viewers can anticipate:
- A star-studded cast of British talent
- Lavish period costumes and settings
- The signature blend of drama and wit that made Cooper's novels beloved
- Behind-the-scenes intrigue of the television industry
- Complex romantic entanglements and professional rivalries
With filming scheduled to begin later this year, fans of Cooper's work and newcomers alike have much to anticipate from this ambitious adaptation that finally brings one of Britain's most beloved modern novels to the screen.
