The highly-anticipated Disney+ adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s 1988 bonkbuster Rivals has won over a whole new audience to the author’s literary talents.
Since its release on Friday, those who’ve spent their weekend watching it have shared memes galore praising the risque antics and ‘camp as Christmas‘ plot – with one viewer suggesting: ‘This ain’t Walt’s Disney!’.
The story is set in 1986 and follows the cut throat world of television, including the tense rivalry between polo-loving lothario Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) and Lord Tony Baddingham (David Tennant).
During a series of parties and luncheons in Lord Baddingham’s country pile, steamy affairs and star-crossed yearnings are explored.
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.
Viewers have flocked to social media to praise Disney+’s racy new ‘bonkbuster’ Rivals, with some left speechless by its bold, full-frontal scenes
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 cast includes Poldark heartthrob Aidan Turner, ex-Doctor Who David Tennant, Sex Education actress Bella Maclean and Alex Hassell, from BBC fantasy series His Dark Materials
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!’.
The highly-anticipated new Disney+ series, which has been hailed as a ‘bonkbuster,’ already has an average of 93% on the Tomatometer
One viewer was lost for words, simply declaring: ‘THE NAKED TENNIS SCENE!’
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 camera momentarily panned on the 87-year-old author’s face, who looked a little shocked at some of the racier lines being read out loud
And screenwriter Dominic Treadwell-Collins has confirmed that he only adapted the first half of the Rivals book on purpose.
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.’