Why Aidan Turner’s ’80s-inspired “big tache energy” in Rivals makes him ‘feel so different’

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Aidan Turner, the lead actor in Rivals, has talked about how his ’80s-style moustache helps him embody his character. He plays Declan O’Hara, a former BBC journalist, and O’Hara’s moustache has become popular with viewers over the show’s two seasons.

In a recent interview on the official Rivals podcast, Turner talked about his noticeable mustache and shared why he personally connects with the style.

He admitted it was a difficult situation, adding that while he can only speak for himself, it made him feel older, as he explained to Pandora Sykes.

I’d say my connection to my moustache is… I’ve really drawn a lot of inspiration from my dad when creating Declan, in many respects.

Although the show premiered in 2024, its story takes place in 1986, a time when moustaches were a major fashion trend for both characters and people in general.

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Turner explained that his dad used to have a moustache like Declan’s throughout the 1980s and almost the entire 1990s. That’s why, when he feels his own moustache growing, it reminds him of his dad.

He explained that growing facial hair makes him feel more mature, and he assured everyone it wasn’t just a temporary style.

Honestly, when I’m rocking the moustache, it totally changes how I feel. It’s weird, but I find myself carrying myself differently – like, I sit and walk with a different vibe, you know?

I realize that might sound crazy, but I’m noticing it myself – it’s visible on my face, and I can feel it when I’m speaking. It affects how my mouth moves and even changes the way I sound.

He chuckled, saying he’s conscious of his appearance while wearing it, but when he takes it off, he doesn’t recognize himself for a moment.

Declan and his iconic moustache are back! You can now watch the first three episodes of Rivals season 2 on Disney+. New episodes will drop every Friday, and the full season will have twelve episodes released throughout the year.

Rivals season 2 episodes 1-3 are be available to stream on Disney+ now.

Check out our Streaming Guide to quickly find out where you can watch all your favorite shows and movies!

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2026-05-15 20:19