Dubbed queen of the bonkbusters, Jilly Cooper's racy novels were the 80s answer to 50 Shades Of Grey. And with the news that Jilly Cooper’s bestseller Rivals is coming to our screens as part of a new Disney+ TV Adaptation, there are some big riding boots to fill.
Part of Jilly Cooper’s saucy 10-book Rutshire Chronicles series, Rivals follows members of England’s upper class as they fall in and out of bed with each other - and naturally encounter drama along the way.
Set in the ‘ruthless world of independent television in 1986’, the story follows two powerful men – ex-Olympic rider and Tory MP Rupert Campbell-Black and his ambitious TV station controller Lord Tony Baddingham – as they battle for control.
The book was published back in 1988, but Disney+ is promising to put a contemporary spin on the eight-part adaptation - likely dialling back on the very 80’s sexual politics.
And now we've had some first-look images of the star-studded cast and safe to say we're counting down the days until Rivals finally airs on Disney+.
Who is the cast of Rivals?
With names from Sex Education, Doctor Who and The Inbetweeners, the cast of 'Rivals' is looking impressive.
Alex Hassell is Rupert Campbell-Black
Alex Hassell (The Tragedy of Macbeth) will lead the show in the role of charismatic antihero Rupert Campbell-Black.
Talking about the casting, Jilly said ‘The minute we met with Alex we knew he’d perfectly embody my all-time hero, the iconic, racy, ruthless, and devastatingly handsome Rupert Campbell-Black.’
David Tennant
David Tennant (Doctor Who) will appear in the show as Tony Baddingham, controller of the independent TV franchise Corinium Television.
Danny Dyer
Danny Dyer (EastEnders) will play self-made electrics millionaire Freddie Jones.
Lisa McGrillis
Lisa McGrillis (Maternal) will star as Freddie's social climbing wife Valerie, who finds herself victim to Rutshire snobbery.
Bella Maclean
Bella Maclean (Sex Education) will appear as Taggie, the ‘strong-willed’ eldest daughter of Maud O’Hara and Declan, who keeps an eye on her sister Caitlin.
Catriona Chandler
Catriona Chandler (Enola Holmes 2) will star as Caitlin, Taggie's wild younger sister.
Victoria Smurfit
Victoria Smurfit (Once Upon A Time) is taking on the role of former actress Maud O'Hara. Maud is described as the 'fickle wife' of husband Declan, as well as mum to Taggie and Caitlin.
Aidan Turner
Aidan Turner (Poldark) will star as TV Presenter Declan O'Hara, who vows to wage revenge against Lord Tony Baddingham after business promises fall through.
Oliver Chris
Oliver Chris (The Crown) will be playing the 'preening and self-entered' TV Presenter James Vereker.
Emily Atack
Emily Atack (The Inbetweeners) will star as Sarah Stratton, the new wife of Paul. With buckets full of ambition, Sarah isn't afraid to use her looks to climb her way to the top.
Katherine Parkinson
Katherine Parkinson (Humans) will appear as Lizzie Vereker, a romantic novelist who finds herself overlooked by her TV star husband, James.
Claire Rushbrook
Claire Rushbrook (Sherwood) will star as Lady Monica Baddingham, Tony's 'dependable, upper-crust' wife.
Luke Pascqualino
Luke Pasqualino (Skins) will be playing the charming Basil 'Bas' Baddingham, Tony's charming younger brother and owner of the town's most buzzy social spot.
Nafessa Williams
US actress Nafessa (Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody) will star in the series as American TV executive Cameron Cook, who is brought in to produce Declan's new prime-time show - only to find herself trapped between 'the two powerful men who deeply underestimate her, at their peril'.
Rufus Jones
Rufus Jones (Home) will appear as Deputy Prime Minister Paul Stratton.
When is Rivals being released?
Disney+ has confirmed that filming for Jilly Cooper's TV adaptation has begun to take place in the UK.
There's no release date yet, but it's rumoured to be out some time this year.
Where can I watch the trailer for Rivals?
The first teaser trailer was released yesterday and naturally we're now feeling a little bit hot under the collar and very excited for Rivals to finally start airing!