Dominic Treadwell-Collins, the executive producer of ‘Rivals’, has explained the reasons behind the show’s changes from the original book, including the inclusion of a gay romance, calling these additions “really important.”
The Disney+ series Rivals, which premiered in fall 2024, added a romantic relationship between Charles Fairburn (Gary Lamont) and Gerald Middleton (Hubert Burton) that wasn’t part of Jilly Cooper’s original 1998 novel.
Ahead of the second season’s release this month, Treadwell-Collins told TopMob that while the characters Charles and Gerald are both gay in the original book, their paths never intersect. They wanted to ensure the show featured a significant and moving gay romance alongside its heterosexual storylines.
The story of Charles and Gerald in Rivals unfolds during the AIDS crisis and while Margaret Thatcher’s Section 28 policy was in effect, a law that prohibited schools from discussing homosexuality with students.
When questioned about whether this represented a deliberate attempt to promote LGBTQ+ acceptance – something some people might claim – Treadwell-Collins offered a straightforward answer. She explained, “I focus on universal human values. It’s about encouraging everyone to move beyond self-interest and understand others.”
He also mentioned that Jilly Cooper was happy with all the adjustments made. They always made sure she approved of everything, and if she didn’t like something, they would change it.
He explained that she approved every draft of the script and continued to review early cuts of the film right up until the week before her death in October 2025. Because of this, they have her official approval and her contributions are present throughout the entire project.
You can watch Rivals now on Disney+. The second season will start streaming on Friday, May 15, 2026. A Disney+ subscription starts at just £5.99 per month.
Don’t miss out! Add Rivals to your watchlist on the TopMob: What to Watch app. Download it today for daily TV suggestions, exclusive features, and more.
Authors
Molly Moss writes about the newest happenings in TV, movies, and other entertainment for TopMob. She has a master’s degree in journalism and has also contributed to major publications like The Guardian, The Times, and The Sun Online.
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2026-05-08 18:04