Aidan Turner Takes Charge in Intimate Scenes on Disney+ Series "Rivals"

Aidan Turner, known for his role in Disney+’s adaptation of Dame Jilly Cooper’s book "Rivals," recently shared insights into filming the series’ intimate scenes. Turner, who plays Declan O’Hara in the show, mentioned that he and his on-screen wife, portrayed by Victoria Smurfit, dove into the scenes without hesitation. Surprisingly, Smurfit was unaware of the presence of intimacy coordinators until they were on set.

Describing the filming process, Turner likened it to a dance, emphasizing the technical aspects while highlighting the need to maintain a sense of enjoyment. He humorously noted the presence of numerous crew members during such scenes, adding a lighthearted touch to the intense filming environment.

Beyond the steamy scenes, "Rivals" delves into the societal dynamics of the 1980s, particularly the treatment of women in a pre-#MeToo era. Dominic Treadwell-Collins, the show’s executive producer and writer, discussed the deliberate inclusion of controversial themes, such as a groping scene, to reflect the era’s attitudes towards women. Treadwell-Collins highlighted the importance of addressing such issues within the context of the narrative.

Addressing concerns about the portrayal of inappropriate behavior, the show’s writers deliberated on the impact of certain actions on character relationships. Alex Hassell, who plays Rupert Campbell-Black, emphasized the show’s role in showcasing societal progress since the depicted era, underlining the character development and thematic significance of challenging behaviors.

Set against the backdrop of 1980s independent television and the political landscape of Margaret Thatcher’s era, "Rivals" follows Declan O’Hara’s journey as he navigates the competitive world of television production. The series introduces a diverse cast of characters, including Nafessa Williams’ Cameron Cook, an American TV producer, and David Tennant’s Lord Baddingham, the owner of Corinium television studios.

With a storyline adapted from Jilly Cooper’s Rutshire Chronicles, "Rivals" offers viewers a glimpse into the high-stakes world of television production and the interpersonal dynamics that drive the industry. As the characters navigate ambition, power struggles, and personal relationships, the series provides a compelling narrative that explores themes of growth, redemption, and societal change.

Overall, "Rivals" combines elements of drama, romance, and social commentary to create a captivating portrayal of a bygone era, shedding light on complex characters and the evolving dynamics of the television industry.