Is 'Rivals' Based On A True Story?
The latest drama to whet the public's appetite is the TV adaptation of Dame Jilly Cooper's Rivals. The eight part series landed on Disney+ on October 18 and if you haven't yet devoured it, it at least deserves the top spot on your to-watch list this week.
Filled with a star-studded cast including Alex Hassell, David Tennant, Aidan Turner, Katherine Parkinson, Lisa McGrillis, Emily Atack, Danny Dyer and Nafeesa Williams, the series is part of Cooper's iconic Rutshire Chronicles.
Set in 1986, the show uncovers the booming sphere of TV in the UK, set against the backdrop of British upper-class families where making nefarious deals is the norm, romantic entanglements are laced in nearly every aspect daily life and scandal is found in every corner.
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Given the real life themes depicted in the series, fans of the show have been left wondering if Rivals is based on a true story.
Here, we break down what is fact and fiction:
Is Rivals Based On A True Story?
As for the location of the show, it is set in the fictional county of Rutshire, which is based on the real life region of the Cotswolds and the three English counties which form the area - Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and Warwickshire.
It is thought that Queen Camilla's ex-husband Andrew Parker Bowles, the late 21st Earl of Suffolk 'Mickey' Suffolk, and David Somerset, the 11th Duke of Somerset, were all the inspiration behind one of the series' main characters, Rupert Campbell-Black.
Another individual who is thought to have also shaped Rupert's character is tailor and fashion designer Rupert Lycett Green.
During an interview with The Telegraph in 2002, Cooper spoke about the inspirations for Rupert: 'They were a wildly dashing and exciting group. Their bravery and charisma were the essential elements of Rupert's character.'
Continuing, she said, 'This was because of their charm and glamour, not for any of Rupert's naughtier behaviour!'
So while the vast majority of the show is fictional, Cooper was definitely inspired by real well-known figures in real life.
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