The long-awaited television adaptation of Jilly Cooper's legendary bonkbuster Rivals has officially commenced filming, bringing the scandalous world of 1980s television executives to life in a major new ITX series.
With an impressive ensemble cast featuring David Tennant, Danny Dyer, and Alex Hassell, the eight-part drama promises to capture the decadence, ambition, and steamy affairs that made Cooper's novel a cultural phenomenon.
Star-Studded Cast Brings Iconic Characters to Life
David Tennant takes on the role of Lord Tony Baddingham, a dangerously charismatic media mogul determined to dominate the broadcasting landscape. Meanwhile, Danny Dyer portrays Freddie Jones, adding his distinctive style to the colourful cast of characters.
Alex Hassell steps into the pivotal role of Rupert Campbell-Black, the devastatingly handsome and ambitious controller of Corinium Television who finds himself locked in a bitter rivalry with Baddingham.
Behind the Scenes of the Highly Anticipated Adaptation
The production has assembled an impressive creative team, with Dominic Treadwell-Collins and Alexander Lamb at the helm as lead writers and executive producers. The series is being produced by Happy Prince, part of ITV Studios, with support from Disney's Content Sales team.
Filming is taking place across various locations in the UK and Ireland, capturing the glamorous settings that form the backdrop to the novel's tangled web of relationships and power struggles.
Why Rivals Remains a Cultural Touchstone
First published in 1988, Rivals became an instant bestseller, celebrated for its witty portrayal of the excesses of the television industry and the complicated personal lives of those within it. The adaptation has been in development for years, with fans eagerly anticipating how the series would translate Cooper's distinctive voice to the screen.
The novel forms part of Cooper's famous Rutshire Chronicles, which have sold millions of copies worldwide and established her as the undisputed queen of the bonkbuster genre.
With production now underway, television audiences can soon experience the drama, romance, and cutthroat competition that has made Rivals a beloved classic for over three decades.
