The long-awaited TV adaptation of Jilly Cooper's novel Rivals is out today on Disney+. The 8-part series is set in the 1980s in the the fictional Cotswolds county of Rutshire, amongst the 'horse 'n' adultery' set. The series follows the rivalry between 3 central characters: the power-hungry boss of local TV network Corinium Television, Lord Tony Baddingham, played by David Tennant; ex-showjumper, Tory MP and Casanova Rupert Campbell-Black, played by Alex Hassell and Corinium's newest signing, presenter & chat show host Declan O'Hara, played by Aidan Turner.
Claire Rushbrook stars as Lady Monica Baddingham, the aristocratic, socialite wife of Lord Tony, who remains forever loyal to her husband, as long as the money keeps rolling in. In a recent interview with the Radio Times she talked about her character saying, "She’s Tony’s wife, so her purpose really is to show this world that Jilly writes in, and also, to see Tony – who we see being caustic, potent and a powerful man at work – we see him at home with her and a different side of him, a different lens on his world."
She was also interviewed alongside co-star Emily Atack by Hey U Guys in which they talked about what Jilly Cooper was like on set, the 80s vibe and how the cast bonded.
And reviewers are loving it:
★★★★★ "Packed with sex, excess and fabulous awfulness, this adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s 80s bonkbuster starts as gloriously as it means to go on. Champagne all round!" - The Guardian
★★★★ "a supremely confident, endlessly enjoyable time capsule. It goes down as easily as a glass of Buck's fizz with a cheeky slice of Viennetta on the side" - Empire
★★★★ "The series reminds us how fun TV can actually be – it’s glamorous, lively and light-hearted...a true gem" Radio Times
The impressive cast also includes Bella Maclean as Taggie O'Hara, Declan's lovable daughter who Campbell-Black identifies as his next conquest, Luke Pasqualino as Tony's younger brother, handsome playboy Basil 'Bas' Baddingham, Oliver Chris as smooth-talking Corinium news anchor James Vereker, Danny Dyer as the richest man in Rutshire, businessman Freddie Jones and Lisa McGrillis as his outlandish wife Valerie. The aforementioned Emily Atack plays Sarah Stratton, the ambitious, young wife of the deputy PM who dreams of forging her own TV career.
All episodes are available to stream now on Disney+.
Claire Rushbrook is available for voiceovers from Anthea Represents. Click her image for her profile page and voiceover showreel.
