Disney+ has unveiled a teaser trailer alongside more first-look images of the eight-part series, ‘Rivals’, based on the celebrated novel by Dame Jilly Cooper and produced by Happy Prince, part of ITV Studios.
Set against the backdrop of the drama, excess, and shocking antics of the power-grabbing social elite of 1980s England, the show delves headfirst into the ruthless world of independent television in 1986. Part of Cooper’s Rutshire Chronicles series it is packed full of romantic entanglements, dastardly deals, sex and wit.
The first-looks feature alongside a teaser trailer showcasing the ’80s set saga which also stars Alex Hassell, Bella Maclean, Katherine Parkinson, David Tennant, Aidan Turner and Nafessa Williams.
Nine more iconic characters from the drama have been unveiled in this second wave of images, introducing Sarah Stratton (Emily Atack – ‘The Emily Atack Show, ‘The Inbetweeners’), Caitlin O’Hara (Catriona Chandler – ‘Pistol’, ‘Enola Holmes 2’), James Vereker (Oliver Chris – ‘The Crown’, ‘Trying’), Freddie Jones (Danny Dyer – ‘EastEnders, The Football Factory’), Paul Stratton (Rufus Jones – ‘W1A’, ‘Home’), Valerie Jones (Lisa McGrillis – ‘Maternal’, ‘Mum’), Bas Baddingham (Luke Pasqualino – ‘Skins’, ‘Shantaram’), Lady Monica Baddingham (Claire Rushbrook – ‘Sherwood’, ‘Ali & Ava’) and Maud O’Hara (Victoria Smurfit – ‘Bloodlands’, ‘Once Upon A Time’).
Written by Dominic Treadwell-Collins and Laura Wade, the lead director is BAFTA-nominated Elliot Hegarty (‘Ted Lasso, Cheaters’, ‘Trying’), who also serves as executive producer on episodes 1-4. Eliza Mellor (‘The Midwich Cuckoos’, ‘Behind Her Eyes’, ‘Poldark’) serves as Series Producer. Dee Koppang O’Leary (“The Crown”) and Alexandra Brodski (“Somewhere Boy”) also direct episodes.
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The series is set to debut on Hulu in the U.S. and on Disney+ in other countries later this year.
