Rivals Cast and Character Guide

Disney+’s latest show, Rivalsfeatures an excellent ensemble of recognizable actors led by Alex Hassell and David Tennant. The TV series, based on Jilly Cooper’s 1988 novel of the same name, is Centering on two powerful men, Rupert Campbell-Black and Lord Tony Baddingham, whose long-running rivalry in the world of 1980s British television comes to a climax. At the top of the two main slopes, Rivals boasts a huge cast of characters for one of the first adult shows made for the streaming platform.

Rivals’ reviews were mixed, but Rant Screen Abigail Stevens describes David Tennant in the series as having “one of his most raw and cruel performances” and also describes his character as being ruthless”but undeniably charismatic.” Irish actor Aidan Turner is also praised for his role in the series, along with Nafessa Williams and Alex Hassell, although the review highlights some criticism of the minor characters. Regardless, they are played by some talented actors, many of whom may be Recognized for other well-known roles in films and TV.

David Tennant as Lord Tony Baddingham

Date of birth: April 18, 1971

Actor: David Tennant is a Scottish actor who rose to prominence for playing the tenth incarnation of the Doctor in Doctor Who. His iconic portrayal lasted from 2005 to 2010. But David Tennant’s roles outside of Doctor Who are also excellent, with the star appearing in several high-profile projects in leading and supporting roles. This includes major film franchises like Harry Potter and How to Train Your Dragon, as well as TV shows like Good omens, Ahsokaand much more.

Character: David Tennant plays Tony Baddingham, a ruthless television station director who seeks to rise violently in his industry.

Aidan Turner as Declan O’Hara

Date of birth: June 19, 1983

Actor: Aidan Turner is a Irish actor who first gained recognition for his role on the BBC show Human Being before reaching a wide audience as the dwarf Kíli in The Hobbit trilogy. Kíli was the dwarf who ended up having romantic feelings for Evangeline Lilly’s Elf character, Tauriel. After these films, Turner was cast in the lead role in the period romance drama. Poldarkwhere he starred in all four seasons. He is set to play a significant role in Terrence Malick’s long-awaited biblical epic, The Way of the Wind.

Character: Declan O’Hara is a BBC journalist known for taking no prisoners. He comes into the picture when Tony offers him a job to have his own show.

Alex Hassell as Rupert Campbell-Black

Date of birth: September 7, 1980

Actor: Alex Hassell is a English actor from Southend who has built a career in film and television since the early 2000s. He has appeared in several prominent TV shows, playing the superhero Translucent in the early episodes of The boysVicious on Netflix Cowboy Bebopand Metatron in Your dark materials. In cinema, he starred in George Clooney’s film Suburb, Violent night, Young woman and the seaand Joel Coen’s adaptation of The Tragedy of Macbeth in 2021.

Character: Rupert Campbell-Black is a retired Olympic high jumper and sports minister who struggles with a difficult marital situation, although he is notoriously a womanizer.

Nafessa Williams as Cameron Cook

Date of birth: December 4, 1989

Actor: Nafessa Williams is a American actress from Philadelphia, best known for playing Nicole Gordon in the 2011 film Streets. Since then, she has had a career in several films and TV shows, including a superhero role on the CW series. Black Lightning series. Other prominent titles include 2017 Twin Peaks continuation on Showtime, where he had a supporting role throughout the series.

Character: Cameron Cook is an American TV prisoner who Tony recruits in New York.

Bella Maclean as Taggie O’Hara

Date of birth: 2000

Actor: Bella Maclean is a British-American stage and film actress who has only appeared in two other television shows before Rivals. In 2023, she appeared as Jem in six episodes of Sex Educationas well as the British detective series Silent Witness.

Character: Taggie O’Hara is Declan’s middle daughter struggling to find her place in the family. Out of the ensemble, she is the only one who seems to have decent morals.

Rivals Cast and Supporting Characters

Victoria Smurfit as Maud O’Hara: Victoria Smurfit has acted in films and television shows since the 1990s, but is best known for playing Cruella De Vil in Once upon a time.

Emily Atack as Sarah Stratton: Emily Atack is a star known for her role in the teen series THE Intermediaries as well as several comedy and drama films.

Rufus Jones as Paul Stratton: Rufus Jones is an actor who has been appearing in films for over two decades, including Paddington and Wonka.

Katherine Parkinson as Lizzie Vereker: Katherine Parkinson is best known for her roles in several TV shows including The IT Crowd, Doctor Martinand Here we go.

Oliver Chris as James Vereker: Oliver Chris is an actor who has appeared in TV shows such as My Lady Jane and films like Emma.

Danny Dyer as Freddie Jones: Danny Dyer is an actor best known for his roles in Mr Bigstuff, the football factoryand the film Termination.

Lisa McGrillis as Valerie Jones: Lisa McGrillis is an actress who has appeared in films such as Last night in Soho as well as TV shows like Sex Education.

Claire Rushbrook as Lady Monica Baddingham: Claire Rushbrook is an actress best known for My fat and crazy diary, Doctor Who, Enola Holmesand much more.

Luke Pasqualino as Basil Baddingham: Luke Pasqualino is best known for his role in the teen series Skinswhere he played Freddie. Since then, he has appeared in Snowpiercer and Shadow and Bone, among other projects.