Meet the star-studded cast of Disney Plus's Rivals featuring Danny Dyer and David Tennant
Rivals is a new TV series on Disney Plus that has a star-studded cast including Danny Dyer, David Tennant, Emily Atack and Aidan Turner - here's everything you need to know about the stars
by Katie Palmer · The MirrorDisney Plus is serving up a slice of nostalgia with its latest offering, Rivals, which takes viewers back to the dog-eat-dog world of 1980s independent TV. The show boasts an impressive lineup including Danny Dyer, David Tennant, Emily Atack, and Aidan Turner.
The official blurb 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? ".
Want the lowdown on the star-studded cast and where you might have spotted them before?
Alex Hassell steps into the shoes of Rupert Campbell-Black
Hailing from Southend in Essex, 44-year-old Alex Hassell is not just an actor but also the brains behind The Factory Theatre Company.
He first graced our screens in 2001 with a guest spot on Queen of Swords.
Since then, he's landed roles in hit series such as The Boys, Cowboy Bebop, and His Dark Materials.
David Tennant brings to life Lord Tony Baddingham
At 53 years young, Bathgate-born David Tennant is perhaps best known for his stint as the tenth Doctor in the iconic series Doctor Who.
His CV is packed with standout performances in Broadchurch, Jessica Jones, Good Omens, and Staged.
Off-screen, he's hitched to actress Georgia Tennant, with whom he shares five children.
Aidan Turner as Declan O'Hara
Aidan Turner, the 41-year-old Irish actor famed for his title role in Poldark, is also recognised for his parts in The Hobbit and Being Human. He's happily married to actress Caitlin FitzGerald, with whom he shares a child.
Victoria Smurfit as Maud O'Hara
Victoria Smurfit, a 50-year-old Irish actress from the wealthy Smurfit family, known for their business Smurfit Kappa, has starred in Ballykissangel, Trial and Retribution and Once Upon a Time. She was previously married to Douglas Baxter, but they divorced in 2015.
She's a proud mum of three.
Bella Maclean as Taggie O'Hara
Bella Maclean, an emerging actress, might be familiar to fans from the recent season of Sex Education, where she played Jem, Adam Groff's (Connor Swindells) love interest. She also had a stint on Silent Witness.
Catriona Chandler as Caitlin O'Hara
Catriona Chandler is best recognised for her portrayal of Agatha Gowerdale in Enola Holmes 2. She also features in the new Channel 5 series, The Wives, as Sky Morgan.
Nafessa Williams as Cameron Cook
Nafessa Williams, an American actress, is most famous for her role as Nicole Gordon in Streets. She's also known for One Life to Live, Code Black and Black Lightning.
Katherine Parkinson as Lizzie Vereker
Katherine Parkinson, an English comedian and actress, is celebrated for her role as Jen Barber in The IT Crowd.
She's also recognised for her performances in Doc Martin, Humans and Here We Go. She's happily married to actor Harry Peacock and they have two children together.
Oliver Chris as James Vereker
Oliver Chris takes on the role of James Vereker. The 45-year-old English actor is famed for his comedic roles in The Office, The IT Crowd and Green Wing.
He was previously engaged to actress Rachael Stirling until 2012.
Danny Dyer as Freddie Jones
Danny Dyer portrays Freddie Jones. The 47-year-old English actor is most famous for his role as Mick Carter in EastEnders.
He's also known for Human Traffic, Mean Machine, The Football Factory and currently hosts the game show The Wall. He's married to Joanne Mas and they share three children.
Lisa McGrillis as Valerie Jones
Lisa McGrillis plays Valerie Jones. The 42-year-old British actress is known for her role as DS Rachel Coles in Inspector George Gently.
Her other notable roles include No Offence and Deadwater Fell, and she portrayed Joanna Franklin in Sex Education.
Claire Rushbrook as Lady Monica Baddingham
Claire Rushbrook stars as Lady Monica Baddingham. The 53-year-old English actress is best known for her role as Roxanne in the film Secrets and Lies.
She also played Linda Earl-Bouchtat in My Mad Fat Diary and recently appeared in A Very Royal Scandal as Sarah, Duchess of York.
Luke Pasqualino as Basil 'Bas' Baddingham
Luke Pasqualino features as Basil 'Bas' Baddingham. The 34-year-old British actor is known for his roles in Skins and The Musketeers.
Audiences may also recognise him from Our Girl, where he played Elvis Harte.
Louis Landau takes on the role of Archie Baddingham
Louis Landau, a fresh face in the acting world, has previously appeared in The Serpent Queen and Concordia.
Emily Atack as Sarah Stratton
Emily Atack, a 34-year-old actress and comedian, is known for her roles in The Inbetweeners and her collaborations with Keith Lemon. Since 2020, she's been starring in her own comedy series, The Emily Atack Show.
Rufus Jones as Paul Stratton
Rufus Jones, an English actor, is recognised for his performances in Hunderby, Camping and Home.
Lara Peake as Daysee Butler
Lara Peake, a 26-year-old English actress, has starred in Born to Kill and Mood, with film credits including How to Have Sex.
Annabel Scholey as Beattie Johnson
Annabel Scholey, another English actress, is known for her roles in Being Human and The Sixth Commandment. She was married to actor and author Ciaran McMenamin until 2023 and has one child.
Maggie Steed as Lady Gosling
Maggie Steed, a 77-year-old English actress and comedian, starred as Maggie in the films Fisherman's Friends and Fisherman's Friends: One and All. Her other credits include Babylon, Stardom and Paddington 2.
David Calder as Fergus Penney
David Calder, a 78-year-old English actor, is best known for his roles in Widows, Star Cops and Nice Work. He also played Captain Edward Smith in the ITV mini-series Titanic.
Hubert Burton as Gerald Middleton
Hubert Burton, a 33-year-old actor, is recognised for his roles as Rusbridger in Living, Wyndham Best in Their Finest and his performance in the premiere production of the play The Inheritance.
Luke S Roberts as Unnamed Character
Luke S Roberts is set to play an Unnamed Character. Currently, there's no further information available about Luke S Roberts.
Guy Siner as Bishop Brenton
Guy Siner will be seen as Bishop Brenton. The 76-year-old English-American actor is most famous for his role as Lieutenant Hubert Gruber in 'Allo 'Allo!
He also starred as Dr. Mittenhand in Leprechaun 4: In Space.
Brendan Patricks as Henry Hampshire
Brendan Patricks will portray Henry Hampshire. The 43-year-old English actor and magician is known for his role as Evelyn Napier in Downton Abbey.
His other notable performances include Entitled, Traitors, In the Club and Outlander.
Rich Keeble as Brian Hetherington
Rich Keeble will appear as Brian Hetherington. Keeble is a British actor and voiceover artist who has previously worked with co-star Emily Atack on her self-titled show.
He is also recognised for his roles in Good Omens, Ghosts, Ted Lasso and Birds of a Feather.