'Ruthless world' of Jilly Cooper's Rivals series

A new drama series titled Rivals has recently premiered on Disney+, and it is based on a popular book by the renowned author Jilly Cooper. The original book was published in 1988 and has now been transformed into an eight-part series featuring a star-studded cast that includes Aidan Turner and David Tennant. Aidan Turner takes on the role of Declan O'Hara, a charismatic TV presenter from the 1980s. The series was filmed in various locations, including the picturesque Cotswolds and London, with significant portions shot at the Bottle Yard Studios in Bristol. Jilly Cooper's works are often characterized by their blend of romance, scandal, and drama, which she describes as having 'low morals and high fences. ' This new adaptation dives deep into the cutthroat world of independent television, showcasing the challenges and intrigues faced by those in the industry. Jilly Cooper played an important role in the production as an executive producer, overseeing the project and ensuring that her vision was reflected in the series. The filming process took six months, and it was notable for being the first series to be filmed at the newly opened TBY2 facility at the Bottle Yard Studios, which began operations in 2022. The production team also ventured into the beautiful countryside for various scenes and even filmed an episode aboard the iconic Concorde aircraft at Aerospace Bristol. David Tennant portrays Lord Tony Baddingham, a character described as ambitious and self-centered. Gary Matsell, the Head of Production at ITV Studios, expressed his satisfaction with the local talent available in Bristol, stating that around 90 percent of the crew members were from the West of England. This local involvement not only provided valuable experience for the crew but also contributed to the authenticity of the production. Jilly Cooper shared her experience on set, noting that while she did not have much influence over the creative decisions, she did offer some suggestions. For instance, she advised against having the characters become too intimate too early in the storyline. She humorously mentioned that during her visits to the set, she was often referred to as 'Jago's granny' because her grandson was working as a runner on the production. The series promises to deliver a captivating mix of drama, romance, and scandal, making it a must-watch for fans of Jilly Cooper's work and newcomers alike.