Disney+ Launches Rivals Podcast to Complement TV Series

Disney+ has introduced a new podcast to complement the television show Rivals, which is based on Dame Jilly Cooper’s novel. The podcast features discussions with cast members and special guests, hosted by Pandora Sykes, providing an exclusive look into the eight-part TV adaptation.

Set in 1980s England, Rivals delves into the cutthroat world of British independent television, showcasing power struggles, ambition, and scandalous social behavior. The podcast aims to offer listeners a behind-the-scenes experience, with exclusive interviews and insights from the cast, including Alex Hassell as Rupert Campbell-Black, Bella Maclean as Taggie O’Hara, Danny Dyer as Freddie Jones, Nafessa Williams as Cameron Cook, Emily Atack as Sarah Stratton, Gary Lamont as Charles Fairburn, and Lara Peake as Daysee Butler.

Producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins describes Rivals as "deliciously naughty and provocative," capturing the essence of the series. Emily Atack discusses the fashion of the 80s era, while Danny Dyer explores the playful flirtation and sexual tension between his character Freddie Jones and Lizzie Vereker, portrayed by Katherine Parkinson. Dyer reflects on their dynamic, stating, "They both become quite childlike within their flirting and their sexual energy. They don’t quite know what to do, but they’re giddy around it."

The podcast also features insights from Nafessa Williams, who plays Cameron Cook, and writer Dare Aiyegbayo, as they delve into the complexities of race and representation in a predominantly white, male-dominated industry. Additionally, Gary Lamont, portraying Charles Fairburn, discusses the challenges of being a gay man in the 1980s.

The podcast, a novel format, is a collaboration between producers Listen and Wondery. Rivals: The Official Podcast is available on various podcast platforms, providing fans with an immersive experience into the world of Rivals and its characters.