David Tennant, Aidan Turner, and even the Queen – that’s how impressive Dame Jilly Cooper was. Few people could draw such a large crowd to Southwark Cathedral on a cold January day, but then again, there was no one quite like the remarkable, late Dame Jilly Cooper.
People gathered to honor the popular author who passed away at 88. She died in October after a fall at her home in Gloucestershire.
A service celebrating her life and work was held, attended by many friends, well-known admirers, and family members. Attendees included Sir Derek Jacobi, Rupert Everett, cast members from the popular TV series based on her novel Rivals, and her literary agent, Felicity Blunt, sister of Emily Blunt.
Stories circulated about the author’s vibrant personality – described as having a ‘champagne soul’ – and her whimsical home in the Cotswolds. A touching moment occurred at her private funeral in Bisley, Gloucestershire, when five horses spontaneously gathered as a tribute.
According to Ms. Blunt, who delivered the eulogy, Dame Jilly was incredibly popular with those who grew up in the early 1990s, much like Taylor Swift is today. Ms. Blunt shared with those gathered that she became a fan instantly after reading ‘Riders,’ while her husband, actor Stanley Tucci, watched with pride.
Novelist Ms. Blunt complimented Jilly Cooper, known for her popular and steamy romances, praising her books which have sold 12 million copies. Cooper’s Rutshire Chronicles series famously introduced readers to themes of love, horses, and the lives of the wealthy, and included evocative language like ‘heavenly,’ ‘orgasmic,’ and ‘ravishing’.
Inside the impressive cathedral, Joanna Lumley read a passage from Jilly Cooper’s novel, The Common Years, which focuses on Cooper’s experiences in Putney. Musician Everett performed a traditional Celtic song, and actors Alex Hassell and Bella Maclean – known from the Disney+ series Rivals – also shared a reading from the book.
Dame Jilly’s family – her children Felix and Emily, and grandchildren like Scarlett Cooper, who led a prayer – were joined by famous faces from acting, film, and writing, including authors Elizabeth Day, Jojo Moyes, and Helen Fielding, to celebrate her life. The heartfelt service ended with everyone singing the hymn Jerusalem, followed by a gathering where guests enjoyed Moet champagne – served in large, impressive bottles, just as Dame Jilly would have liked.
Dame Joanna, looking elegant in a black hat and suit, shared that she’d been friends with Dame Jilly since the 1970s, when they were young women living together in a flat. She fondly described Dame Jilly as a wonderful person.
‘She never, ever had a bad word to say about anyone and was such fun,’ Joanna said.
Many people shared this feeling, including the cast of Rivals. Danny Dyer remembered her as warm, funny, and playfully flirtatious, and Aidan Turner noted she often quietly observed the group while they were filming.
Clare Balding, a presenter who knew Dame Jilly through their daughters attending the same school, remembered her as a very kind and generous person.
She recalled that her books were considered too risqué for the school and were therefore banned. Balding remembered her as a vibrant person who adored nature, animals, and champagne.
Bridget Jones creator Fielding described Jilly as ‘an inspiration, personally and professionally’.
Oh my gosh, you will NOT believe this! Helen Lederer was telling this amazing story about going to a party at Dame Jilly Cooper’s house, and she said it was like stepping right into one of the scenes from ‘Rivals’! Apparently, Jilly just had this incredible presence – everyone adored her, was totally fascinated by her, and she just radiated warmth. Honestly, it sounds like she was just magnetic – a truly unforgettable woman!
The service even welcomed some furry friends, including two dogs featured in the show Rivals – a labrador and a terrier mix. Just before everyone left, the terrier playfully attempted to climb onto a parishioner’s leg. Many thought Dame Jilly Cooper herself would have found the amusing scene rather delightful.
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2026-01-31 03:48