Nafessa Williams, star of the hit series Rivals, has opened up about the challenges of filming the show's explicit sex scenes, admitting that while they were 'not easy,' she felt supported by her co-stars Alex Hassell and David Tennant. The 36-year-old actress portrays American TV producer Cameron Cook in the raunchy drama, which is based on Jilly Cooper's novel.
Supportive Environment on Set
Williams credited the show's producer, Dominic Treadwell-Collins, for fostering a respectful atmosphere through a 'no a***holes' casting policy. However, she acknowledged that stripping off for the camera remained a struggle. Speaking to Harper's Bazaar UK, she said: 'They are not easy – they're the most vulnerable place you'll ever find yourself. But the leader sets the tone, and we owe a lot to David and Alex too, helming the show, always being generous, always being gentlemen.'
Williams also expressed gratitude for the presence of intimacy coordinators, having never filmed a sex scene before Rivals. She admitted she previously thought: 'Why don't these gorgeous people just roll around and do it?'
Season Two's Raunchy Content
The second season of Rivals, released on Disney+ on Friday, is packed with X-rated scenes. Just eight minutes into the first episode, viewers see brothers Sebbie and Dommie Carlisle, played by Maxim Ays and Bobby Lockwood, skinny-dipping at a pool party. Moments later, a sex scene between Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) and Cameron Cook (Nafessa Williams) unfolds, followed by a shower scene between Declan and Maud O'Hara (Aidan Turner and Victoria Smurfit).
In a comedic turn, Declan is kicked out of his hotel room nude and covers himself with a box of 'crunchy nut flakes.' EastEnders' Pam St Clement makes a surprise cameo as a hotel patron who mistakes him for Terry Wogan.
Tribute to Jilly Cooper
Episode one concludes with a black-and-white photo tribute to Dame Jilly Cooper, who died last October. Episode two features a lengthy sex montage between Rupert and Cameron, while episode three focuses on Rupert's political campaign threatened by revelations of past 'sexual deviancy.'
Gay Romance and Social Commentary
The season also introduces a gay romance between political hopeful Gerald Middleton (Hubert Burton) and TV producer Charles Fairburn (Gary Lamont). Executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins explained the decision to Radio Times: 'In the book, Charles and Gerald are both gay characters, but they never actually cross. What was really important to us was alongside the heterosexual love stories, telling a big, swooping gay love story.' He added that the storyline is set against the backdrop of the AIDS crisis and Margaret Thatcher's Section 28 policy.
Critical Reception
Season two has received rave reviews. The Guardian called it an 'exquisite bonkbuster,' while The Telegraph praised it as a 'heady mix of guilty pleasure, trenchant satire, rambunctious comedy and out-and-out trash.' The Times noted it is 'gloriously uplifting television,' and The Independent highlighted the cast's enjoyment. However, the Financial Times felt some storylines dragged, suggesting more slapstick was needed.
The first three episodes of Rivals season two are available on Disney+ now. Episode four will be released on May 22, with subsequent episodes following weekly.
