David Tennant talks “shocking” loss of Jilly Cooper and the importance of Rivals sex scenes

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You were a teenager in the eighties. Does Rivals make you nostalgic?

Growing up in secondary school in Paisley was a world away from what I saw of life in the Cotswolds, but it definitely felt like we were living through the same decade. Even though it was happening elsewhere, there was this feeling that something exciting – and a little over the top – was happening, and it was strangely appealing. All that excess, the big hair, and even the ‘greed is good’ attitude… it was awful, but I couldn’t help but be drawn to it.

What were you like in the eighties?

I wore secondhand school uniforms that were always a little off-size. To express myself, I’d shop at thrift stores, and I was particularly proud of a quirky bootlace tie and a bolero jacket. My hair was styled in a deliberately messy way – short and spiky on top with a long, flat section in the back – because I was trying to look like Bono from U2.

Considering your career started shortly after the time shown in the film Rivals, did you ever experience the strong competition or prejudice against women that the movie portrays?

It seems so outdated when we watch the romantic interactions in Rivals, almost comical. Seeing those old power dynamics gives me some optimism that society is slowly becoming more progressive.

So, to quote the show, you don’t have to be a **** to work in TV these days?!

It’s not perfect, but we’re getting better! Our industry is usually good at identifying its mistakes, even if fixing them isn’t always easy. We definitely have opportunities to improve.

Was there a certain innocence about that world without camera phones and social media?

The story is a fascinating mix of innocence and disturbing darkness. While most of the characters are unpleasant, that actually makes it enjoyable to watch – you can appreciate the villainy from a safe distance.

Who are the characters you’d want to spend time with?

Taggie is genuinely a good person. Lizzie is nice, but her affair complicates things. Monica, Tony’s wife, is kind at heart, though she can be a bit stuck-up. And Tony himself is just difficult.

Do you have anything in common with Tony?

I feel obligated to act this way, as my perspective shapes how he’s presented. You might get a better explanation from my wife. Thankfully, she isn’t here right now, or I might not make a very good impression!

Do you feel the sex scenes in Rivals are a necessary part of the storytelling?

Sexuality is key to understanding the characters in our show. While it’s featured prominently and perhaps more openly than in some other dramas, every intimate scene serves a specific narrative purpose. We aim to portray these moments with honesty and positivity, hoping to create a viewing experience that isn’t off-putting.

How affected were you by Jilly’s death?

As a film fan, it really hit me hard – she just radiated life, and then, suddenly, she was gone. It’s incredibly sad she won’t get to see the second season, but honestly, you can feel her spirit in every single scene. It’s like she’s still woven into the fabric of the whole thing.

You can watch Rivals on Disney+. The second season will begin streaming on Friday, May 15, 2026. A Disney+ subscription starts at just £5.99 per month.

Okay, so I just discovered this app called TopMob: What to Watch, and it’s pretty cool. They’re recommending a show called ‘Rivals’ right now, and I added it to my watchlist through the app. Seriously, you should download it if you’re into TV – they give you daily recommendations and have all sorts of features. It’s a game-changer for finding your next binge-watch!

Authors

Emma Cox

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2026-05-11 10:36