Rivals TV Series: The Full Cast And Where You’ve Seen Them Before

By Hannah McLaren

Disney+ ©

Everyone’s talking about the brand new TV series Rivals… and already there are whispers of a series two!

From juicy drama and saucy secrets to dangerous games of money and revenge, Rivals paints a very messy, greedy and self-indulgent picture of showbusiness in the 80s and what life was like for members of the upper class.

The TV series Rivals is based on Jilly Cooper’s incredibly popular novel of the same name. Series one ends halfway through Jilly Cooper’s romantic novel, so a highly anticipated second series will relieve us of that cliff-hanger!

Such an ensemble of entanglements and complex rivalries, requires a stellar line-up of some of the most famous British faces.

Here is a rundown of all the main characters, who plays them and where you’ve seen them before.

Tony Baddingham (David Tennant)

A powerful and manipulative TV executive, Tony is at the centre of a cutthroat rivalry with Declan O’Hara. Tennant, known for Doctor Who and Good Omens, brings his signature intensity to this high-stakes role. If you’re looking for TV shows with David Tennant and his award-winning acting talent, this may be you’re next watch.

Declan O’Hara (Aidan Turner)

Declan is a charismatic TV presenter who gets betrayed by Tony, sparking a bitter feud. Turner, famous for Poldark, adds charm and complexity to the role of a man out for revenge.

Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell)

Rupert is the quintessential playboy, embodying the seductive charm and moral ambiguity of the upper class in Jilly Cooper’s Rutshire universe. Hassell, known for The Tragedy of Macbeth, portrays Rupert with a mix of allure and ruthlessness.

Freddie Jones (Danny Dyer)

Freddie is a self-made millionaire and tech mogul, somewhat out of place among the aristocratic elite whose wife isn’t particularly enamoured with him all the time. Freddie enters into a will they/won’t they romantic connection with Lizzie. Dyer, well-known from EastEnders, steps out of his usual hard-man roles for this more layered character.

Taggie O’Hara (Bella Maclean)

Declan and Maud’s daughter, Taggie is a strong-willed young woman navigating the complexities of her family’s eccentric world. A growing infatuation and with Rupert Campbell-Black and his numerous flirtations drives much of the antagonism of the plot. Her good heart and moral compass somewhat inherited from her father helps keeps a lot of other characters around her in line.

Cameron Cook (Nafessa Williams)

An ambitious American TV executive brought in by Tony, Cameron plays a key role in producing Declan’s show while carrying on an affair with Tony in order to advance her career. You will recognise Nafessa Williams from Black Lightning and Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody.

Sarah Stratton (Emily Atack)

Sarah is a promiscuous socialite with a sharp wit. Atack, famous from The Inbetweeners, plays this bold character with a lot of humour.

Maud O’Hara (Victoria Smurfit)

Maud is Declan’s free-spirited wife and former actress who feels old and overlooked by both the industry and her husband. Her character adds depth and tension to Declan’s ambitions and ultimately re-route his career. Smurfit is known for her role in Bloodlands, and plays her vibrant role in Rivals with charm.

Lizzie Vereker (Katherine Parkinson)

Lizzie is a romantic novelist married to a self-absorbed TV presenter. Katherine Parkinson, from The IT Crowd and Humans. Lizzie is yet another character who feels unloved and underappreciated by her husband, before falling into an affair, too.

Lady Monica Baddingham (Claire Rushbrook)

Tony’s neglected wife, Monica, is an aristocrat with a dark, complex personality. Rushbrook, noted for Secrets & Lies, brings both elegance, intrigue and a subtle sadness to this multifaceted role.

Charles Fairburn (Gary Lamont)

Charles is a member of Rutshire’s influential circles, who’s open about his sexuality but finding it hard to find a compatible partner who is also comfortable living as a gay man in the 80s. Lamont portrays Charles with both grace, subtlety and a lot of heart.

James Vereker (Oliver Chris)

Lizzie’s self-centred TV presenter husband, often stealing the limelight. Chris, from The Crown, portrays James with flair and selfish charm.

Valerie Jones (Lisa McGrillis)

Freddie’s socially ambitious wife, navigating the upper echelons with determination. McGrillis adds both class and sass to the role.

Paul Stratton (Rufus Jones)

Sarah’s husband Paul brings stability to her unpredictable nature, and adds balance to Sarah’s antics.

Bas Baddingham (Luke Pasqualino)

Bas, Tony’s charming younger brother, owns the local hotspot, Bar Sinister. Also involved in… you guessed it… multiple affairs. Luke Pasqualino is known from Skins and The Musketeers.

Caitlin O’Hara (Catriona Chandler)

Another member of the O’Hara family, Caitlin is a bubbly somewhat naive character who has her own role in the family’s complicated dynamics. Chandler adds nuance to this family-centric role.