Rivals cast: Who stars in the Jilly Cooper series on Disney+?

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more Rivals: Official teaser trailer TABLE OF CONTENTAlex Hassell - Rupert Campbell-BlackAidan Turner - Declan O'HaraEmily Atack - Sarah Stratton

Disney+'s Rivals, set in the dog-eat-dog domain of 1980s independent TV, showcases a sterling cast including big names like Danny Dyer, David Tennant, Emily Atack, and Aidan Turner.

The show's official synopsis teases: "It is 1986 and Britain is booming. Rivals dives headfirst into the cutthroat world of TV where hair-dos are big and ambitions are even bigger. Deals are brokered in boardrooms, as well as bedrooms. Nobody can be sure who will come out on top.

"With every man and woman out only for themselves, can 'true' love really blossom in this highly anticipated adaptation of Jilly Cooper's bestselling Rutshire Chronicles novel?"

Here's the lowdown on the star-studded lineup and their previous fame-filled roles

Rivals cast: Who stars in the Jilly Cooper series on Disney ? (Image: Disney ) Alex Hassell - Rupert Campbell-Black

Hailing from Southend in Essex, 44 year old Alex Hassell is not just an actor but also a founder of The Factory Theatre Company.

First gracing the small screen in 2001 with a Queen of Swords episode, Hassell has climbed the ranks with major titles like The Boys, Cowboy Bebop, and His Dark Materials under his belt.

David Tennant - Lord Tony Baddingham

David Tennant embodies Lord Tony Baddingham (Image: PA) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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At 53, Bathgate-born David Tennant is celebrated for his portrayal of the tenth Doctor in Doctor Who, among other impressive roles in Broadchurch, Jessica Jones, Good Omens, and Staged.

Balancing act, Tennant is wed to actress Georgia Tennant and shares his life with five children.

Aidan Turner - Declan O'Hara

Aidan Turner, the 41 year old Irish actor famed for his title role in Poldark and parts in The Hobbit and Being Human, is married to actress Caitlin FitzGerald with whom he shares a child.

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Emily Atack - Sarah Stratton

Emily Atack stars in the series as Sarah Stratton (Image: PA)

Emily Atack is a 34-year-old actress and comedian known for her roles in The Inbetweeners and for working with comedian Keith Lemon.

Since 2020, she has starred in her own comedy series The Emily Atack Show. She has a son who was born earlier this year.

Further cast

Danny Dyer is a 47-year-old English actor best known for his role as Mick Carter in EastEnders (Image: Getty)

Victoria Smurfit - Maud O'Hara

Victoria is a 50-year-old Irish actress who is part of the Smurfit family which, through Smurfit Kappa, is one of the richest in Ireland. She is known for her roles in Ballykissangel, Trial and Retribution and Once Upon a Time. The actress was married to Douglas Baxter but the pair divorced in 2015. She is a mother of three.

Bella Maclean - Taggie O'Hara

Bella Maclean is an up-and-coming actress who fans may recognise from the latest season of Sex Education. She played Jem, Adam Groff's (Connor Swindells) love interest and they've since married off-screen The star also appeared in a couple of episodes of Silent Witness.

Catriona Chandler - Caitlin O'Hara

Catriona Chandler is best known for her role as Agatha Gowerdale in Enola Holmes 2. She also stars in the new Channel 5 series, The Wives, as Sky Morgan.

Nafessa Williams - Cameron Cook

Nafessa Williams is an American actress best known for playing Nicole Gordon in Streets. She may also be recognised for One Life to Live, Code Black and Black Lightning.

Katherine Parkinson - Lizzie Vereker

Katherine Parkinson is an English comedian and actress known for her role as Jen Barber in The IT Crowd. She is also known for her roles in Doc Martin, Humans and Here We Go. Katherine is married to actor Harry Peacock and has two children.

Oliver Chris - James Vereker

Oliver Chris is a 45-year-old English actor who is known for his comedy roles in The Office, The IT Crowd and Green Wing. Until 2012, he was engaged to actress Rachael Stirling.

Danny Dyer - Freddie Jones

Danny Dyer is a 47-year-old English actor best known for his role as Mick Carter in EastEnders. He may also be recognised for Human Traffic, Mean Machine, The Football Factory and he now presents the game show The Wall. He is married to Joanne Mas and has three children.

Lisa McGrillis - Valerie Jones

Lisa McGrillis is a 42-year-old British actress who played DS Rachel Coles in Inspector George Gently. Her other credits include No Offence and Deadwater Fell. She also played Joanna Franklin in Sex Education.

Claire Rushbrook - Lady Monica Baddingham

Claire Rushbrook is a 53-year-old English actress best known for playing Roxanne in the film Secrets and Lies. She also starred as Linda Earl-Bouchtat in My Mad Fat Diary. Her latest TV role was in A Very Royal Scandal as Sarah, Duchess of York.

Luke Pasqualino - Basil 'Bas' Baddingham

Luke Pasqualino is a 34-year-old British actor known for his roles in Skins and The Musketeers. Viewers may also recognise him from Our Girl, in which he played Elvis Harte.

Louis Landau - Archie Baddingham

Louis Landau is fairly new to the acting scene, having previously starred in The Serpent Queen and Concordia.