Jilly Cooper’s famously sexy book Rivals is finally on our screens with a new series from Disney Plus, introducing a new legion of fans to her work.
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The eight-part series focuses on the second of Cooper’s 11-volume Rutshire Chronicle book series, which follows the shenanigans and scandals of the fictional county’s upper classes.
David Tennant stars as Lord Tony Baddingham, a Tory politician who clashes with dashing ex-Olympian Rupert Campbell-Black over control of a television station, and also stars Emily Atack, Aidan Turner, Bella Maclean and more.
Cooper actually has a whopping 44 novels under her belt, but is perhaps most famous for penning the Rutshire Chronicles series, and it's the second book in the series, Rivals, that has been given the TV treatment on Disney Plus.
Speaking about how Rivals is her favourite book in her series, Cooper previously said: "I think Rivals is my favourite novel because I love the characters so much.
"Even the most ruthless display moments of tenderness and vulnerability and the shyest and gentlest [characters] show courage and integrity as true love blossoms."
She continued: "Originally, I intended to leave out Rupert Campbell-Black, my havoc-making, hell-raising hero, the world-winning showjumper and handsomest man in England, because in Riders he was so cruel both to women and his horses, but I missed his glamour and humour, so I brought him back as a lead character in Rivals and enjoyed making him lovable and truly heroic."
With Rivals out now on Disney Plus, fans might be wondering how to read all of the novels from the series in order.
Well, RadioTimes.com has mapped out how to get stuck into the novels below, so read on to find out.
Jilly Cooper's Rutshire Chronicles books in order: How to read inspiration of Rivals
Here's the full list of Jilly Cooper's Rutshire Chronicles novels in order.
How many books are in Jilly Cooper's Rutshire Chronicles series?
There are currently 11 books in the Rutshire Chronicles series, with the most recent novel – Tackle! – having been released in 2023.
Is Disney Plus's Rivals based on a book?
Alex Hassell as Rupert Campbell-Black in Rivals. Disney Plus
Yes! The new eight-part Disney Plus series is based on the book of the same name by Jilly Cooper.
Published in 1988, Rivals is actually the second book – after 1986's Riders – in Cooper's Rutshire Chronicles book series.
The romance novel series is all set in the fictional county of Rutshire, and takes us deep into the upper-class world of the families that live there.
As well as exploring polo circles and, of course, plenty of sex, the book series is linked by many recurring characters, including Rupert Campbell-Black, who is played by Alex Hassell in the Disney Plus series.
Morgan Cormack is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering everything drama-related on TV and streaming. She previously worked at Stylist as an Entertainment Writer. Alongside her past work in content marketing and as a freelancer, she possesses a BA in English Literature.
Molly Moss is a Trends Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest trends across TV, film and more. She has an MA in Newspaper Journalism and has previously written for publications including The Guardian, The Times and The Sun Online.
