Danny Dyer has been praised by viewers who watched the highly anticipated Disney+ adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s hit 1988 film Rivals this weekend.
The EastEnders actor, 47, plays Freddie Jones in the series which is set in 1986 and follows the cut-throat world of television.
And although the main story follows the tense rivalry between polo-loving lothario Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) and Lord Tony Baddingham (David Tennant), fans watching were quick to point out Danny’s “fantastic” contribution.
He plays the role of Freddie, an electronics businessman extraordinaire – a character viewers have said he plays with “nuance,” while others have demanded a spin-off show just for his role.
Fans adored him on the show as they wrote on
Danny Dyer has been praised by viewers who watched the highly anticipated Disney+ adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s hit 1988 film Rivals this weekend.
The EastEnders actor, 47, plays Freddie Jones in the series which is set in 1986 and follows the cut-throat world of television (seen with Katherine Parkinson as Lizzie Vereker).
“It took me three episodes to realize who Danny Dyer plays, he’s a good #Rivals.”
“I have to say that Danny Dyer is a much better actor than people give him credit for – the warmth and nuance he brings to his character in #Rivals is magnificent.”
‘I’ve never been a particular fan of Danny Dyer, but loving him in #rivals if he doesn’t team up with Katherine Parkinson, I’ll be furious!’
‘Danny Dyer in a dodgy wig singing Bat out of Hell is one of the #rivals scenes of the year.’,
‘Danny Dyer and Katherine Parkinson are the best of #Rivals.’,
“So, I really like Danny Dyer on #Rivals.”,
‘@DisneyPlus is it time to commission a #dannydyer Freddie Jones spin-off? #Rivals.’
‘Danny Dyer absolutely knocked it out of the park on #rivals!!!!.’
“The more RIVALS I see, the more I can see that Danny Dyer is a national treasure.”
Over a series of parties and lunches at Lord Baddingham’s country, the show explores passionate affairs and star-crossed longings.
He plays the role of Freddie, an electronics businessman extraordinaire – a character viewers have said he plays with “nuance,” while others have demanded a spin-off show just for his part.
While the main story follows the tense rivalry between polo-loving lothario Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) and Lord Tony Baddingham (David Tennant), fans who watched it were quick to point out Danny’s “fantastic” contribution.
Fans adored him on the show as they wrote on
Some viewers took to social media to rave about the show’s racy scenes, including a completely naked tennis match with Cooper’s most famous scoundrel, Campbell-Black, and Emily Atack’s Sarah Stratton.
One viewer was left speechless and simply declared: ‘THE NAKED TENNIS SCENE!’
Others said they were hooked on the show from the opening scene, explaining: “I was completely hooked the moment RCB emerges from the Concorde bathroom and struts down the hallway to ‘Addicted to Love.’
“Just perfect.”
Another social media user joked that they were watching Rivals to see “the plot,” along with shirtless photos of Aidan Turner and Hassell.
Most agreed that the Disney+ original was “binge-worthy.” One said: “I don’t normally watch much, but I just finished Rivals.” It’s SO good and I want more.’
The daring eight-part series is based on Dame Jilly’s daring 1988 novel and follows the cutthroat world of independent television in 1986.
The book, part of the Rutshire Chronicles, shot to the top of the charts and sold more than a million copies.
After news of the show was confirmed, executive producer and author Dame Jilly said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be able to announce our all-star line-up for Rivals.”
‘With some of the best acting talent the British Isles has to offer, I couldn’t have dreamed of a better cast.
‘I can’t wait to be on set and see them bring to life the characters I love so much.
“The moment we met Alex we knew he would perfectly embody my all-time hero, the iconic, bold, ruthless and devastatingly handsome Rupert Campbell-Black. The spectators are in luck!’
And screenwriter Dominic Treadwell-Collins has confirmed that he only intentionally adapted the first half of the Rivals book.
Rivals has been hailed by critics as a ‘bonkbuster’ as the first reviews of Jilly Cooper’s sexy show have arrived.
David Tennant plays Lord Tony Baddingham (seen) and Emily Atack plays the promiscuous Sarah Stratton.
A television expert has revealed: “The feeling is that there is still much more to the story that could easily become a sequel.”
‘Disney+ seems to agree, although they have not yet announced an official commission.
‘The streamer’s bosses can see that there is a huge expectation for this show and, having watched the episodes, they know it won’t disappoint.
“So pursuing a sequel is a no-brainer, although these things take money and time, particularly as they have to try to align the very busy schedules of Rivals’ star-studded cast.”
