Disney+’s latest show,Rivals, features an outstanding 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, iscentered around two powerful men, Rupert Campbell-Black and Lord Tony Baddingham, whose longstanding rivalry in the world of 1980s British television comes to a climactic head. On top of the two main leads,Rivalssports an enormous cast of characters for one of the first adult programs made for the streaming platform.
Rivals’reviewshave been mixed, butScreen Rant’sAbigail Stevens describes David Tennant in the series as having “one of his rawest and most vicious performances"and also describes his character as being ruthless “yet undeniably charismatic.” Irish actor Aidan Turner is also praised for his role in the series, along with Nafessa Williams and Alex Hassell, though the review highlights some criticism for the more minor characters. Regardless, they’re played by some talented actors, many of whom can be recognized from other well-known film & TV roles.
David Tennant as Lord Tony Baddingham
Date Of Birth: June 24, 2025
Actor: David Tennant is aScottish actor who rose to prominence for his portrayal of the tenth incarnation of the Doctor inDoctor Who. His iconic portrayal lasted from 2005 through 2010. ButDavid Tennant’s roles outside ofDoctor Whoare also excellent, with the star appearing in numerous high-profile projects in leading and supporting roles. This includes major film franchises likeHarry PotterandHow to Train Your Dragon,as well as TV shows likeGood Omens,Ahsoka, and many more.
Huyang (voice)
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
How to Train Your Dragon
Spitelout
Character: David Tennant plays Tony Baddingham, a cutthroat television station director looking to viciously climb in his industry.
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Aidan Turner as Declan O’Hara
Date Of Birth: July 01, 2025
Actor: Aidan Turner is anIrish actor who first gained recognition for his role in the BBC showBeing Humanbefore reaching widespread audiences as the dwarf Kíli inThe Hobbittrilogy. Kíli was the Dwarf who notably ended up having romantic feelings for Evangeline Lilly’s Elf character, Tauriel. Following those films, Turner was cast in the lead role in the period romance dramaPoldark, where he starred in all four seasons. He’s set to play a significant role in Terrence Malick’s long-awaited biblical epic,The Way of the Wind.
Being Human
John Mitchell
Character: Declan O’Hara is a BBC journalist known for not taking any prisoners. He moves into the scene when Tony offers him a job to have his own show.
Alex Hassell as Rupert Campbell-Black
Date Of Birth: August 14, 2025
Actor: Alex Hassell is anEnglish actor from Southend who’s steadily built a career in film and television since the early 2000s. He’s appeared in numerous prominent TV shows, playing the superhero Translucent in the early episodes ofThe Boys, Vicious in Netflix’sCowboy Bebop, and Metatron inHis Dark Materials. In film, he’s starred in George Clooney’sSuburbicon,Violent Night,Young Woman and the Sea, and Joel Coen’s adaptation ofThe Tragedy of Macbethin 2021.
His Dark Materials
Metatron
Character:Rupert Campbell-Black is a retired Olympian show jumper and sports minister struggling with a harsh marital situation, though he’s infamously a womanizer.
Nafessa Williams as Cameron Cook
Date Of Birth: June 07, 2025
Actor: Nafessa Williams is anAmerican actress from Philadelphia who’s best known for playing Nicole Gordon in the 2011 filmStreets. She’s since had a career in various films and TV shows, including a superhero performance in The CW’sBlack Lightningseries. Other prominent titles include 2017’sTwin Peakscontinuation on Showtime, where she had a supporting role throughout the series.
Black Lightning
Anissa Pierce/Thunder
Character: Cameron Cook is an American TV prisoner who Tony recruits from New York.
Bella Maclean as Taggie O’Hara
Date Of Birth: 2000
Actor: Bella Maclean is an Anglo-American stage and screen actress who’s only appeared on two other television shows beforeRivals. In 2023, she appeared as Jem for six episodes ofSex Education, as well as the British crime seriesSilent Witness.
Silent Witness
Sara Mendes
Character: Taggie O’Hara is Declan’s middle child struggling to find her place in the family. Out of the ensemble, she’s the only one who seems to have any decent morals.
Rivals Supporting Cast & Characters
Victoria Smurfit as Maud O’Hara:Victoria Smurfit has been acting in films and television shows since the 1990s, but she’s best known for playing Cruella De Vil inOnce Upon a Time.
Emily Atack as Sarah Stratton:Emily Atack is a star known for her role in the teen showTheInbetweenersas well as various comedy and drama films.
Rufus Jones as Paul Stratton:Rufus Jones is an actor who’s appeared in films for over two decades, includingPaddingtonandWonka.
Katherine Parkinson as Lizzie Vereker:Katherine Parkinson is best known for her roles on various TV shows, includingThe IT Crowd,Doc Martin, andHere We Go.
Oliver Chris as James Vereker:Oliver Chris is an actor who’s appeared in TV shows likeMy Lady Janeand films likeEmma.
Danny Dyer as Freddie Jones:Danny Dyer is an actor best known for his roles inMr Bigstuff, The Football Factory, and the filmSeverance.
Lisa McGrillis as Valerie Jones:Lisa McGrillis is an actor who’s appeared in films likeLast Night in Sohoas well as TV shows likeSex Education.
Claire Rushbrook as Lady Monica Baddingham:Claire Rushbrook is an actress best known forMy Mad Fat Diary,Doctor Who,Enola Holmes, and more.
Luke Pasqualino as Basil Baddingham:Luke Pasqualino is best known for his role in the teen showSkins, where he played Freddie. Since then, he’s appeared inSnowpiercerandShadow and Bone,among other projects.
Rivals
Set in the high-stakes world of 1980s British television, a bitter rivalry between two powerful men reaches its boiling point. Declan O’Hara, a TV presenter, vows revenge on Lord Tony Baddingham after feeling betrayed. Amidst romantic entanglements and corporate backstabbing, the drama unfolds with intense personal and professional clashes.
