David Tennant Takes Lead in TV Adaptation of Beloved British Romance Novel

David Tennant, known for his roles in “Doctor Who” and “Good Omens,” is set to star in the upcoming TV series “Rivals,” based on Dame Jilly Cooper’s classic bonkbuster novel. The show, which will be available on Hulu/Disney+ later this year, is a dramatic adaptation set in the 1980s among the English elite and independent television production scene.

In “Rivals,” viewers will witness a fierce rivalry between two influential men, Rupert Campbell-Black, played by Alex Hassell, and Lord Tony Baddingham, portrayed by David Tennant. The tension between these characters, both powerful and ambitious in their own right, escalates as they clash over the fate of Corinium Television in the fictional county of Rutshire.

Dame Jilly Cooper, often referred to as the “Queen of the Bonkbuster,” is celebrated for her “Rutshire Chronicles” series, which delves into the lives of glamorous and scandalous characters entangled in professional and personal dramas, often with a generous dose of romantic entanglements. Cooper’s novels are known for their witty and humorous undertones, setting them apart from typical bonkbuster fare.

The upcoming adaptation of “Rivals” is set to comprise eight episodes and will be available on Hulu in the U.S. and Disney+ internationally. Produced by ITV Studios’ Happy Prince and written by Dominic Treadwell-Collins and Laura Wade, the series boasts a talented ensemble cast including Aidan Turner, Danny Dyer, Lisa McGrillis, Luke Pasqualino, Emily Atack, and Oliver Chris.

Dame Jilly Cooper’s contributions to literature have been recognized with a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire title, honoring her literary achievements and charitable work. Fans of bonkbuster novels and drama enthusiasts alike can look forward to immersing themselves in the world of “Rivals” as it brings to life the captivating and scandalous tales of the English elite in the 1980s.