Rivals, the latest addition to Disney Plus, delves into the cutthroat world of 1980s independent television. The show boasts an impressive lineup featuring Danny Dyer, David Tennant, Emily Atack, and Aidan Turner.
The official synopsis states: “It is 1986 and Britain is booming. Rivals dives headfirst into the cutthroat world of TV where hair-dos are big and ambitions are even bigger.”
“Deals are brokered in boardrooms, as well as bedrooms. Nobody can be sure who will come out on top.”
“With every man and woman out only for themselves, can ‘true’ love really blossom in this highly anticipated adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s bestselling Rutshire Chronicles novel? “.
For those eager to know more about the cast and their previous roles, here’s the rundown.
Alex Hassell as Rupert Campbell-Black
Alex Hassell steps into the shoes of Rupert Campbell-Black. Aged 44, this Southend-born actor is also a co-founder of The Factory Theatre Company.
He made his TV debut in 2001 with Queen of Swords and has since appeared in acclaimed series such as The Boys, Cowboy Bebop, and His Dark Materials.
David Tennant as Lord Tony Baddingham
David Tennant portrays Lord Tony Baddingham. At 53, the Bathgate-born Scottish actor is widely recognised for his role as the tenth Doctor in Doctor Who.
His career spans across various hit series including Broadchurch, Jessica Jones, Good Omens, and Staged. Tennant is married to actress Georgia Tennant, with whom he shares five children.
Aidan Turner plays Declan O’Hara
Aidan Turner, a 41-year-old Irish actor, is most recognised for his portrayal of the title character in Poldark. He has also gained recognition for his roles as Kili in The Hobbit and in Being Human.
The actor is married to actress Caitlin FitzGerald, with whom he shares a child.
Victoria Smurfit as Maud O’Hara
Victoria Smurfit, a 50-year-old Irish actress, hails from the wealthy Smurfit family, known for their business, Smurfit Kappa. She has been featured in Ballykissangel, Trial and Retribution and Once Upon a Time.
Previously married to Douglas Baxter, they divorced in 2015. She is a mother to three children.
Bella Maclean as Taggie O’Hara
Bella Maclean is an emerging actress who viewers may recognise from the recent season of Sex Education, where she played Jem, Adam Groff’s (Connor Swindells) love interest. She also made appearances in a few episodes of Silent Witness.
Catriona Chandler as Caitlin O’Hara
Catriona Chandler is best known for her role as Agatha Gowerdale in Enola Holmes 2. She also stars in the new Channel 5 series, The Wives, as Sky Morgan.
Nafessa Williams as Cameron Cook
Nafessa Williams, an American actress, is best known for her role as Nicole Gordon in Streets. She might also be recognised for her roles in One Life to Live, Code Black and Black Lightning.
Katherine Parkinson as Lizzie Vereker
Katherine Parkinson is an English comedian and actress, renowned for her role as Jen Barber in The IT Crowd.
She is also recognised for her performances in Doc Martin, Humans and Here We Go.
She’s wedded to actor Harry Peacock and they have two children together.
Oliver Chris as James Vereker
Oliver Chris, a 45-year-old English actor, is renowned for his comedic roles in The Office, The IT Crowd and Green Wing.
Until 2012, he was betrothed to actress Rachael Stirling.
Danny Dyer as Freddie Jones
Danny Dyer, a 47-year-old English actor, is most famous for his portrayal of Mick Carter in EastEnders.
He might also be known for Human Traffic, Mean Machine, The Football Factory and currently, he hosts the game show The Wall.
He’s married to Joanne Mas and they have three children.
Lisa McGrillis as Valerie Jones
Lisa McGrillis, a 42-year-old British actress, portrayed DS Rachel Coles in Inspector George Gently.
Her other notable roles include No Offence and Deadwater Fell. She also played Joanna Franklin in Sex Education.
Claire Rushbrook as Lady Monica Baddingham
Claire Rushbrook, a 53-year-old English actress, is best known for her role as Roxanne in the film Secrets and Lies.
She also starred as Linda Earl-Bouchtat in My Mad Fat Diary. Her latest TV role was in A Very Royal Scandal as Sarah, Duchess of York.
Luke Pasqualino as Basil ‘Bas’ Baddingham
Luke Pasqualino, a 34-year-old British actor, is known for his roles in Skins and The Musketeers.
Audiences may also recognise him from Our Girl, where he played Elvis Harte.
Louis Landau as Archie Baddingham
Louis Landau, a relative newcomer to the acting world, has previously appeared in The Serpent Queen and Concordia.
Emily Atack as Sarah Stratton
Emily Atack, a 34-year-old actress and comedian, is set to play Sarah Stratton. Known for her roles in The Inbetweeners and collaborations with comedian Keith Lemon, she has been starring in her own comedy series, The Emily Atack Show, since 2020.
She became a mother earlier this year.
Rufus Jones as Paul Stratton
Rufus Jones will be portraying Paul Stratton. An English actor, Jones is recognised for his performances in Hunderby, Camping and Home.
Lara Peake as Daysee Butler
Lara Peake, a 26-year-old English actress, will take on the role of Daysee Butler. She has previously starred in Born to Kill and Mood, and her film credits include How to Have Sex.
Annabel Scholey as Beattie Johnson
Annabel Scholey will be playing Beattie Johnson. Known for her roles in Being Human and The Sixth Commandment, she was married to actor and author Ciaran McMenamin until 2023 and has one child.
Maggie Steed as Lady Gosling
Maggie Steed, a 77-year-old English actress and comedian, will portray Lady Gosling. She is known for her role as Maggie in the films Fisherman’s Friends and Fisherman’s Friends: One and All, with other credits including Babylon, Stardom and Paddington 2.
David Calder as Fergus Penney
David Calder, a 78-year-old English actor, will play Fergus Penney. Best known for his roles in Widows, Star Cops and Nice Work, he also portrayed Captain Edward Smith in the ITV mini-series Titanic.
Hubert Burton will appear as Gerald Middleton
Hubert Burton, a 33-year-old actor, is best recognised for his roles as Rusbridger in Living, Wyndham Best in Their Finest and his performance in the premiere production of the play The Inheritance.
Luke S Roberts as Unnamed Character
Luke S Roberts is set to play an Unnamed Character, however, no further information is available about him at this time.
Guy Siner as Bishop Brenton
Guy Siner will be portraying Bishop Brenton. The 76-year-old English-American actor is most famous for his role as Lieutenant Hubert Gruber in ‘Allo ‘Allo!, and also for playing Dr. Mittenhand in Leprechaun 4: In Space.
Brendan Patricks as Henry Hampshire
Brendan Patricks, a 43-year-old English actor and magician, will be seen as Henry Hampshire. He’s known for his role as Evelyn Napier in Downton Abbey and has other notable credits in Entitled, Traitors, In the Club and Outlander.
Rich Keeble as Brian Hetherington
Rich Keeble will be playing Brian Hetherington. Keeble is a British actor and voiceover artist who has previously worked with co-star Emily Atack on her self-titled show.
He’s also recognised for his roles in Good Omens, Ghosts, Ted Lasso and Birds of a Feather.