Behind the scenes of Rivals as the hit drama returns | BBC News

Key Concepts

• Rivals: A television adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s "bonkbuster" novel, produced for Disney+.
• Rutshire Chronicles: The book series by Jilly Cooper upon which the show is based.
• Period Drama: A production set in a specific historical era (in this case, the 1980s), requiring meticulous attention to period-accurate props, costumes, and social norms.
• Bonkbuster: A genre of popular fiction characterized by glamorous settings, high-stakes drama, and explicit romantic/sexual content.
• Night Shoot: A film production schedule occurring during the night, often requiring specialized lighting (e.g., cherry pickers) and thermal gear for the cast.

---

1. Production Overview and Series Expansion

• Scale: The second series of Rivals is described as "bigger and brasher" than the first, expanding from eight episodes to twelve.
• Tone: While the first series navigated the balance between high drama and comedy, the cast notes that the second series possesses a newfound "swagger" and confidence.
• Narrative Timeline: The story picks up only a few weeks after the events of the first series.
• Global Success: Despite being a "slow burn," the show achieved international acclaim, winning an International Emmy for Best Drama and finding a significant audience in Australia, Canada, and the United States.

2. Behind-the-Scenes Methodology

• Costume and Makeup: The production emphasizes extreme attention to detail. Actors describe the process of applying mustaches "hair by hair" and the use of wigs that are designed to be seamless.
• Environmental Challenges: Filming in the Cotswolds during late November requires significant logistical preparation, including the use of thermal clothing and heat pads for the cast during night shoots.
• Supporting Artists: The production utilizes a large number of supporting artists, with specific departments dedicated to ensuring their costumes and makeup are consistent with the 1980s setting.
• Directorial Approach: The first assistant director plays a crucial role in managing the "vibe" and atmosphere on set, creating small, interconnected character stories to make the background action feel authentic.
• Technical Equipment: The production uses "cherry pickers" (large cranes with lights) to illuminate night scenes and utilizes both on-location houses and studio sets to create the world of Rutshire.

3. The 1980s Aesthetic

• Authenticity: The production team sources period-accurate props, such as 1980s-era televisions, VHS tapes, and specific brands of dish soap, to ground the show in its setting.
• Social Context: The cast notes that portraying the 1980s through a modern lens highlights the differences in social values, gender roles, and expectations, which adds "extra texture" to the storytelling.

4. Tribute to Jilly Cooper

• Legacy: The production was deeply affected by the death of author and executive producer Jilly Cooper in October 2025.
• Involvement: Cooper was actively involved in the second series, reading and signing off on every episode script.
• Memory: The cast and crew remember her as a "spirited, funny, and filthy" figure who was full of life and deeply supportive of the adaptation. The production team is committed to continuing the series in a way that would make her proud.

5. Notable Quotes

• On the show's tone: "It’s like the 80s sort of vomits on Valerie."
• On the character's appeal: "He’s really powerful... but he’s still very much his essence is working-class and he’s kind and you know he tries to do the right thing. And I think maybe that’s what women found attractive."
• On the future of the series: "I could be only playing Rupert Campbell-Black for the rest of my life... It’s going to be like James Bond on these things."

6. Synthesis and Conclusion

Rivals has evolved from an "unlikely union" between a classic "bonkbuster" author and Disney into a global success. The production is characterized by a high level of technical precision—ranging from period-accurate set dressing to complex night-shoot logistics—and a collaborative atmosphere. With eleven books in the Rutshire Chronicles series, the cast and crew express a long-term commitment to the project, viewing it as a potential multi-year franchise. The production of the second series is defined by a sense of continuity and a desire to honor the legacy of Jilly Cooper, whose creative influence remains central to the show's identity.