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Danny Dyer has been praised by viewers watching the highly-anticipated Disney+ adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s 1988 bonkbuster Rivals this weekend.
The EastEnders actor, 47, stars as Freddie Jones in the series which is set in 1986 and follows the cut throat world of television.
And while the main storyline follows tense rivalry between polo-loving lothario Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) and Lord Tony Baddingham (David Tennant), fans watching have been quick to point out Danny’s ‘fantastic’ contribution.
He plays the role of Freddie an electronics businessman extraordinaire – a character viewers have said he plays with ‘nuance’, while other have demanded a spin-off show just for his part.
Fans have been loving him in the show as they penned on X: ‘Danny Dyer is so fun to watch in #Rivals, more of this, please, don’t waste him on soaps or football factories.’
Danny Dyer has been praised by viewers watching the highly-anticipated Disney+ adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s 1988 bonkbuster Rivals this weekend
The EastEnders actor, 47, stars as Freddie Jones in the series which is set in 1986 and follows the cut throat world of television (seen with Katherine Parkinson as Lizzie Vereker)
‘It’s taken me three episodes to realise who Danny Dyer is playing, he is that good #Rivals.’
‘Have to say Danny Dyer is a way better actor than people give him credit for – the warmth and nuance he gives to his character in #Rivals is gorgeous.’
‘Never been a particular fan of Danny Dyer but loving him in #rivals if he doesn’t get together with Katherine Parkinson I shall be fuming!’,
‘Danny Dyer in a dodgy wig singing Bat out of Hell is one of the scenes of the year #rivals.’,
‘Danny Dyer and Katherine Parkinson are the best things in #Rivals.’,
‘So, I’m really liking Danny Dyer in #Rivals.’,
‘@DisneyPlus time to commission a #dannydyer Freddie Jones spin off? #Rivals.’
‘danny dyer absolutely knocked it out of the park in #rivals !!!!.’
‘The more RIVALS I watch the more I can see that Danny Dyer is a national treasure.’
During a series of parties and luncheons in Lord Baddingham’s country pile, steamy affairs and star-crossed yearnings are explored in the show.
He plays the role of Freddie an electronics businessman extraordinaire – a character viewers have said he plays with ‘nuance’, while other have demanded a spin-off show just for his part
While the main storyline follows tense rivalry between polo-loving lothario Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) and Lord Tony Baddingham (David Tennant), fans watching have been quick to point out Danny’s ‘fantastic’ contribution
Fans have been loving him in the show as they penned on X: ‘ Danny Dyer is so fun to watch in #Rivals, more of this, please, don’t waste him on soaps or football factories’
Some of those watching took to social media to rave about the racy scenes in the show, including a fully nude tennis match featuring Cooper’s most famous cad Campbell-Black and Emily Atack‘s Sarah Stratton.
One viewer was lost for words, simply declaring: ‘THE NAKED TENNIS SCENE!’
Others said they were hooked on the show by the opening scene, explaining: ‘I was completely hooked the moment RCB walks out the lavatory on the Concorde and struts down the aisle to the sound of ‘Addicted to Love’.
‘Just perfect.’
Another social media user joked they were watching Rivals for ‘the plot’, alongside shirtless pictures of Aidan Turner and Hassell.
Most agreed that the Disney+ original was ‘binge-able’. One said: ‘I don’t normally binge watch, but I just finished Rivals. It’s SO good and I want more.’
The racy eight-part series is based on Dame Jilly’s raunchy 1988 novel, and follows the cutthroat world of independent television in 1986.
The book, part of the Rutshire Chronicles, soared to the top of the charts and sold more than a million copies.
After news of the show was confirmed, executive producer and author Dame Jilly said: ‘I’m utterly enchanted to be able to announce our all-star line-up for Rivals.
‘Featuring some of the best acting talent that the British Isles has to offer, I couldn’t have dreamed of a better ensemble cast.
‘I cannot wait to be on set and see them bring the characters I love so much to life.
‘The minute we met with Alex we knew he’d perfectly embody my all-time hero, the iconic, racy, ruthless, and devastatingly handsome, Rupert Campbell-Black. Viewers are in for a treat!’.
And screenwriter Dominic Treadwell-Collins has confirmed that he only adapted the first half of the Rivals book on purpose.
Rivals has been hailed by critics as a ‘bonkbuster’ as the first reviews for Jilly Cooper’s sexy show have flooded in
David Tennant plays Lord Tony Baddingham (seen) and Emily Atack stars as promiscuous Sarah Stratton
A TV insider has revealed: ‘The feeling is that there is still so much more in the story that could easily be made into a sequel.
‘Disney+ appear to be on board, even though they haven’t announced an official commission yet.
‘Bosses at the streamer can see there is a huge amount of anticipation for this show, and having seen the episodes, they know it won’t disappoint.
‘So going for a follow-up is a no-brainer, though these things take money and time, particularly as they have to try to align the very busy diaries of Rivals’ star-studded cast.’