Rivals author reveals changes in raunchy adaptation

Rivals author reveals changes in raunchy adaptation

As a seasoned film enthusiast with a penchant for British dramas and a soft spot for the 80s, I am beyond excited about Disney Plus’s upcoming adaptation of Rivals. Having devoured Jilly Cooper’s original novel back in the day and lived through the excesses of the 80s myself, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia mixed with anticipation.


It’s only a matter of weeks until Disney Plus’s anticipated adaptation of Rivals hits our screens.

Drawing from the acclaimed 1988 novel with the same title penned by Dame Jilly Cooper, Cooper herself has unveiled the alterations incorporated into the source material for the upcoming eight-episode series.

Speaking to BBC News, Cooper describes the new series as an “absolutely wonderful” adaptation.

She mentioned that her influence was limited, but she did offer recommendations for certain parts of the series’ early episodes. Specifically, she expressed concerns about characters jumping into action too quickly at the start of the narrative, suggesting modifications to tone it down slightly.

Regarding modifications made from the original novel, Cooper mentions that the opening scene in the series is a “sky-high” love scene, which was not present in the book itself. However, she acknowledges that the series does contain numerous intimate scenes.

In my humble opinion, this series is downright entertaining, with a touch of mischief to keep things interesting. It certainly doesn’t shy away from adult themes, as it delves deep into the romantic entanglements of each character. In fact, one episode features a prolonged sequence where every cast member becomes involved in a passionate love scene for nearly 20 minutes straight – quite the spectacle!

Rivals author reveals changes in raunchy adaptation

In the television adaptation, a significant portion of the story revolves around the fictitious character Rupert Campbell-Black, portrayed by Alex Hassell from “His Dark Materials.

In the upcoming series, David Tennant, a previous cast member of Doctor Who, and Aidan Turner from Poldark will share screen time with our protagonist. David Tennant plays television executive Tony Baddingham, while Aidan Turner portrays TV presenter Declan O’Hara.

Last week, a sneak peek of the upcoming series was unveiled, hinting at a storm of scandals, competition, and betrayal ahead. Naturally, it also promises an abundance of steamy moments featuring its high-profile actors.

As per the official description for the show, it’s brimming with “a multitude of love tangles, underhanded business maneuvers, intimacy, and quick-witted banter.

Delving straight into the heart of the turbulent ’80s English high society, filled with drama, extravagance, and scandalous behavior, I find myself immersed in the cutthroat realm of independent television as portrayed in Rivals, set in 1986.

In simpler terms, David Tennant from the series hinted at future events in the upcoming eight-episode story, stating that it will be rather provocative or steamy, as he mentioned on The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show.

The series’ remaining actors consist of several well-known figures, such as Bella Maclean, Danny Dyer (from EastEnders), Katherine Parkinson (Humans), Nafessa Williams (of Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody fame), Emily Atack (The Inbetweeners), Lisa McGrillis (Maternal), Luke Pasqualino (Skins), Claire Rushbrook (Sherwood), and Victoria Smurfit (Once Upon A Time).

On October 18th, 2024, the much-anticipated series “Rivals” will be available on Disney Plus. Secure your spot by subscribing to Disney Plus today for just £4.99 per month or enjoy a full year of streaming for £79.90.

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2024-09-30 14:33