As a seasoned viewer and critic of British television, I must say that the cast of Rivals seems to be a fascinating ensemble of talented actors who bring their characters to life with remarkable authenticity.
Initially, when it was revealed that Jilly Cooper’s novel “Rivals” would be adapted into a television series, few could have anticipated the impressive array of British and Irish acting talents that would eventually come together for the production.
The show features stars such as David Tennant, known for his role in Doctor Who, along with Alex Hassell from The Boys and Aidan Turner of Poldark. Additionally, it includes Claire Rushbrook from Sherwood, Emily Atack who gained fame on The Inbetweeners, and Danny Dyer, a familiar face from EastEnders.
In the ’80s scene of independent television, I found myself immersed in a gripping tale where I, as a dedicated viewer, witnessed the partnership between charismatic showjumper-turned-politician Rupert Campbell-Black (Hassell) and captivating TV presenter Declan O’Hara (Turner). Together, we plotted to bring down the formidable local TV magnate, Lord Tony Baddingham (Tennant), in an epic battle for influence and control.
Amidst the loyalty and clear divisions, there’s an exhilarating spectacle unfolding that unabashedly tackles the subject of sexuality.
While I may not need to portray nudity as frequently as you, Alex Hassell, it’s important to note that we all share certain aspects, and one of those is the exploration of human sexuality. The narrative delves into how individuals navigate their sexuality, whether it leads to positive or negative outcomes.
When the series premieres, viewers might experience quite a jolt (whiplash), since they’ll likely find themselves puzzling over where they’ve seen the actors before.
So, read on for everything you need to know about the cast of Rivals on Disney Plus.
Rivals cast: Full list of characters and actors in Disney Plus drama
The full cast list for Rivals is as follows, but scroll on to find out more about all the characters, plus where you may have seen the actors before.
- Alex Hassell as Rupert Campbell-Black
- David Tennant as Lord Tony Baddingham
- Aidan Turner as Declan O’Hara
- Nafessa Williams as Cameron Cook
- Bella Maclean as Taggie O’Hara
- Victoria Smurfit as Maud O’Hara
- Catriona Chandler as Caitlin O’Hara
- Gabriel Tierney as Patrick O’Hara
- Katherine Parkinson as Lizzie Vereker
- Oliver Chris as James Vereker
- Danny Dyer as Freddie Jones
- Lisa McGrillis as Valerie Jones
- Claire Rushbrook as Lady Monica Baddingham
- Luke Pasqualino as Basil ‘Bas’ Baddingham
- Emily Atack as Sarah Stratton
- Rufus Jones as Paul Stratton
- Gary Lamont as Charles Fairburn
- Hubert Burton as Gerald Middleton
- Lara Peake as Daysee Butler
- Annabel Scholey as Beattie Johnson
- Maggie Steed as Lady Gosling
- David Calder as Fergus Penney
- Hubert Burton as Gerald Middleton
- Guy Siner as Bishop Brenton
- Brendan Patricks as Henry Hampshire
- Rich Keeble as Brian Hetherington
Alex Hassell as Rupert Campbell-Black
Who is Rupert Campbell-Black? He’s a charmer who isn’t shy about using his charm, and currently serves as a Tory MP in Rutshire. Previously, he was an accomplished Olympic show jumper before hanging up his spurs.
He admitted: “There were challenges to it, obviously, it’s a weird thing to have to do, but it was a great part. He’s such a… for all that sort of side of him, he is actually a very three-dimensional and multifaceted character with lots of different sides to him to pull out and explore.”
Apart from these roles, Alex Hassell has been featured in other productions such as Everything Now, The Miniaturist, and Bonkers.
David Tennant as Lord Tony Baddingham
What is Lord Tony Baddingham known for? As the managing director of Corinium Television, this influential figure rose from modest origins but won’t hesitate to maintain his dominant position. He has ambitious plans to expand Corinium, but that could change when faced with fresh competition.
Apart from Doctor Who, what other shows or projects has David Tennant been a part of?
Aidan Turner as Declan O’Hara
What is Declan O’Hara known for? Declan, a renowned journalist and broadcaster, leaves BBC to join Corinium, attracted by greater autonomy. Along with his family, he relocates to Rutshire. While he can be tough on guests during live broadcasts, he doesn’t always confront personal issues as directly as those in his professional life.
Apart from his roles in Poldark, Being Human, and The Hobbit trilogy, Aidan Turner has also appeared in other productions such as Leonardo, Fifteen-Love, and The Suspect.
Nafessa Williams as Cameron Cook
Who is Cameron Cook? A notable figure in the US television industry, Cameron Cook made a significant move to Rutshire after being personally recruited by Lord Tony due to his recognition of her potential. Known for her resilient spirit, Cameron has faced marginalization in an industry predominantly composed of white males. However, beneath this strong exterior lies a more sensitive and vulnerable side that she keeps hidden.
Has Nafessa Williams appeared in any other productions apart from Code Black, Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody, Twin Peaks, and One Life to Live?
Bella Maclean as Taggie O’Hara
In a straightforward manner, Taggie O’Hara is known for her kindness and her desire to see those around her thrive. She is Declan and Maud’s eldest daughter, and at just 20 years old, she assumes the role of responsibility within the O’Hara household with grace. With aspirations of launching her own catering business and hoping for a romantic connection in the future, Taggie is more than just a family member – she is a budding entrepreneur with dreams in her heart.
Has Bella Maclean appeared in anything else besides Sex Education and Silent Witness?
Victoria Smurfit as Maud O’Hara
Maud O’Hara is a dynamic, theatrical woman who is married to Declan. Prior to moving to Rutshire, she was a celebrated West End star. Now, she reluctantly accompanies her husband for his new job, yearning for recognition and validation of her charm. In moments when her husband is engrossed in work, she sometimes seeks attention from other men.
Apart from Once Upon a Time and Trial & Retribution, Victoria Smurfit has also appeared on television shows such as Strike Back: Revolution, Bloodlands, The Man Who Fell to Earth, and Marcella.
Katherine Parkinson as Lizzie Vereker
Who is Lizzie Vereker? Known for being the demure spouse of James, Lizzie resides in their household. Engaged in writing romance novels for a living, she plays a significant role in Rutshire’s society and maintains a close friendship with Rupert. However, when she crosses paths with the O’Haras and the Jones family, her life experiences an unexpected surge of intrigue.
Apart from being recognized for her roles in The IT Crowd, Doc Martin, Humans, and Here We Go, Katherine Parkinson has also acted in Significant Other, Hitmen, The Nan Movie, and Taskmaster.
Oliver Chris as James Vereker
Who is James Vereker? He is the impeccably groomed anchor for Corinium’s evening news broadcast. His career-driven demeanor becomes puzzled when Declan joins the network, yet he is relentless in pursuing his professional aspirations.
Has Oliver Chris appeared in any other productions aside from those mentioned? His acting career spans across various series such as The Office, Green Wing, Bonkers, Motherland, and Trying. Additionally, he is known for his roles in Miss Scarlet and the Duke, Maternal, and Foundation.
Danny Dyer as Freddie Jones
In simpler terms, who is Freddie Jones? He’s an exceptionally successful businessman in electronics, born into a working-class family, yet amassing immense wealth in Rutshire. His marriage to Valerie dates back to their childhood, but their relationship isn’t characterized by deep affection.
Apart from his roles in The Football Factory, Human Traffic, EastEnders (from 2013 to 2022), The Wall, Scared of the Dark, and presenting duties for various shows, Danny Dyer has also taken on new acting projects such as Heat and Mr Bigstuff.
Lisa McGrillis as Valerie Jones
Who is Valerie Jones, you ask? Known for her eccentric style and struggle to fit in among her peers in Rutshire, she’s a subject of jokes due to her outlandish ensembles. She appears pleasant on the surface, but behind closed doors, she frequently criticizes her husband Freddie, showing him little affection.
Has Lisa McGrillis appeared in any other productions besides Mum, King Gary, No Offence, Deadwater Fell, Avoidance, Maternal, and Sex Education?
Claire Rushbrook as Lady Monica Baddingham
In simpler terms, who is Lady Monica Baddingham? She is the wife of Tony, known for her quintessential British composure, frequently arranging community activities in Rutshire. Her dedication and loyalty are evident towards her husband and Corinium, always standing by him in all his endeavors.
Apart from the aforementioned shows like Ali & Ava, My Mad Fat Diary, Whitechapel, Home Fires, Sherwood season 1, Magpie Murders, Wilderness, and A Very Royal Scandal, has Claire Rushbrook appeared in any other productions?
Luke Pasqualino as Basil ‘Bas’ Baddingham
In simpler terms, who is “Basil ‘Bas’ Baddingham”? He is Tony’s younger brother, born out of an affair between his mother, who was married at the time, and an Argentinian polo player. Despite this controversial past, Bas has comfortably integrated into high society in Rutshire. He owns Bar Sinister and frequently engages in playing polo or seeking new romantic interests.
Is there anything else you know Luke Pasqualino from aside from his character Freddie in Skins? He’s also appeared in The Musketeers, Our Girl, Snatch, and Shantaram.
Emily Atack as Sarah Stratton
Sarah is someone who is driven by ambition and yearns for greater opportunities. In her personal life, she’s married to the deputy prime minister of Rutshire, Paul Stratton, who also happens to be her boss. However, Sarah has started to feel unfulfilled with her current lifestyle in Rutshire and aspires to make a name for herself in the TV industry.
What other shows or roles has Emily Atack been associated with, apart from The Inbetweeners, Almost Never, and The Emily Atack Show? She’s also made appearances on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, Celebrity Juice, Dancing on Ice, and even hosted her own BBC documentary titled Emily Atack: Asking For It?.
Rufus Jones as Paul Stratton
Who is Paul Stratton? He is the Deputy Prime Minister who married his significantly younger ex-secretary, causing a significant dent in his reputation as a Conservative MP. His insecurity tends to grow when he perceives Sarah’s unhappiness, leading him into deeper issues.
Apart from the shows like W1A, Camping, Mongrels, and Hunderby, Rufus Jones has also appeared in other productions such as Home, Funny Woman, Beyond Paradise, and Hijack.
Gary Lamont as Charles Fairburn
Who is Charles Fairburn? He is the programming director at Corinium TV. The AIDS crisis intensifies Charles’s feelings of isolation and insecurity as Tony and his coworkers persistently mock him, a openly gay man, with their insensitive “jokes.” He yearns for greater accomplishments in his career and love life.
Has Gary Lamont appeared in any other productions? Yes, he was in River City, Boiling Point 2022, and the BBC series, as well as Rebus, Still Game, and The North Water.
Hubert Burton as Gerald Middleton
Who is Gerald Middleton? He’s the assistant to Rupert Campbell-Black, and harbors ambitions for his own Conservative political career someday. However, he understands that if he wants to make that dream a reality, he needs a spouse. That said, he’s secretly involved with Charles.
Has Hubert Burton appeared in any other productions aside from Living, The Passing Bells, Jekyll and Hyde, and The Inheritance on stage?
Lara Peake as Daysee Butler
Who is Daysee Butler? She’s the dedicated Production Assistant on set at Corinium, quickly earning respect from her colleagues for her exceptional skills in the role. Despite her youthful and playful demeanor, Daysee approaches her work with a sense of professionalism and commitment.
Apart from her notable roles, such as Carly in BBC’s Mood and Skye in How to Have Sex, Lara Peake has also appeared in productions like Halo, Born to Kill, and The English Game.
On October 18th, 2024, the much-anticipated series “Rivals” will be available on Disney Plus! To catch all the action, you can subscribe to Disney Plus today for just £4.99 per month or opt for an annual plan at £79.90!
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2024-10-09 19:05