Aidan Turner reveals his VERY racy role in Jilly Cooper’s ‘bonkbuster’ Rivals includes a hilarious nod to his saucy shirtless scenes in Poldark
As a lifelong fan of British dramas, I am absolutely thrilled by the star-studded cast announced for Disney+’s upcoming series “Rivals”. Having grown up during the 80s and being captivated by the raw energy and unbridled spirit of that era, this show promises to bring back those nostalgic feelings with a modern twist.
Aidan Turner is set to delight fans with a humorous wink to his character as the charming, bare-chested Ross Poldark, by accepting a steamy role in Jilly Cooper’s racy novel titled ‘Rivals’.
The 41-year-old actor took on the title role of Ross Poldark in the 2015 revival of the BBC series.
In numerous scenes of the historical drama, he attracted much notice due to the frequent showcasing of his muscular build, thereby firmly establishing him as a heartthrob in Hollywood.
And now, the star will be stripping down to the waist once again in his new Disney+ series Rivals.
In the forthcoming adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s renowned book, a distinguished ensemble has been gathered, including David Tennant, Emily Atack, and Danny Dyer, alongside Katherine Parkinson, Oliver Chris, and Claire Rushbrook. They will all be part of this production.

1986 serves as the backdrop for this tale, delving into the highly competitive landscape of the television industry. It also highlights the intense rivalry between Rupert Campbell-Black (portrayed by Hassell) and Lord Tony Baddingham (played by Tennant).
In the much-awaited series, Aidan takes on the role of intelligent television host Declan O’Hara, who is persuaded to depart from the BBC and join independent network Corinium. However, he ends up feeling disappointed instead.
Fun fact: One of the comedic TV shows within this collection goes by the title “Four Men Went to Mow.” It portrays a group of farmers performing their daily tasks without shirts, adding a touch of humor to rural life.
And in one very ironic scene, Aidan even yells: ‘TV can’t just be men taking their tops off!’
During an interview with The Times Culture Magazine, the actor playfully commented on the script, saying, “When I first read it, I thought, ‘What’s with this inclusion? It’s a bit similar to Poldark.’
However, they informed me it was originally written in the books, which had me chuckling. The initial performance of that particular scene left the audience in stitches. It seems enjoyable to make light of such subjects.
In June, Disney+ unveiled a lavish sneak peek of their upcoming series, Rivals, which seems to feature numerous suggestive moments.
Aidan’s character is married to Maud, played by fellow Irish actor Victoria Smurfit.




Apart from the change, Aidan now sports a unique mustache as he takes on the role of TV host Declan O’Hara.
Declan is portrayed as intensely intelligent, possessing a passionately hot-tempered nature. He’s enticed to join Corinium TV, leaving the BBC, by Tony.
Additional significant figures from the play were revealed in a subsequent release of pictures, featuring Sarah Stratton (Emily), a character known for her ambition and willingness to leverage her attractiveness to climb the ladder.
Her husband, Deputy Prime Minister Paul Stratton (played by Rufus Jones), is currently grappling with a midlife crisis that’s quite apparent to many.
In the production, Danny Dyer takes on the role of Freddie Jones, a successful entrepreneur in electronics, and Lisa McGrillis portrays his ambitious, socially-advancing spouse named Valerie.
Luke Pasqualino plays the role of the charismatic Basil ‘Bas’ Baddingham, who is Tony’s younger brother and owner of the popular nightspot in Cotchester, known as ‘Bar Sinister’.
As a passionate devotee, I have the privilege of sharing the screen with Caitlin O’Hara (Catriona), James Vereker (Oliver Chris), Lady Monica Baddingham (Claire Rushbrook), and Maud O’Hara (Victoria Smurfit) in our production.
As a lifestyle aficionado, I’d describe “Rivals” on Disney+ as an exhilarating, playfully devious journey, brimming with captivating love tales and teeming with vibrant, unforgettable personalities. It’s a ride that’s sure to leave you steaming with excitement!







The streaming service emphasizes its unique approach by presenting the 1980s through a modern perspective, providing an unvarnished look at a pivotal period in British history where class, race, gender, wealth, and sexual freedom intersected in complex ways. For the select few who were incredibly privileged, this era offered boundless opportunities.
Jilly Cooper, both executive producer and author of ‘Rivals’, expressed her delight in revealing our stellar cast for the show.
Boasting a superb array of acting talent from the British Isles, I could scarcely imagine assembling a more exceptional group of performers.
“I am eagerly anticipating stepping onto the set and witnessing these beloved characters come to vibrant existence. When we first met Alex, it was clear he would flawlessly embody my cherished hero, the legendary, seductive, relentless, and strikingly handsome Rupert Campbell-Black. Prepare yourselves for an exciting experience!
As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled to share that the much-anticipated series will make its grand entrance on Disney+ in the UK on October 18th. In the United States, it will be available on Hulu, while viewers worldwide can look forward to watching it on Disney+ later this year.
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2024-09-14 15:34