Katherine Parkinson reveals how Jilly Cooper's death sent shockwaves through Rivals cast as she makes poignant pledge for series two
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Rivals star Katherine Parkinson has shared the cast's devastated reaction to the death of Dame Jilly Cooper midway through filming.
The hit Disney+ show, which is inspired by Dame Jilly's raunchy novels, returns in May.
And Ms Parkinson has said it was a 'real shock' when the cast learned of the author's passing after a fall at her home in October.
Dame Jilly had been heavily involved in the production of the series, including overseeing the writing of the scripts, and joining the cast of the big-budget 80s show on set.
Speaking to Daily Mail at the Royal Television Society Programme Awards, she added that the cast hope the second series will 'do Jilly justice.'
Following the huge success of series one, much of the cast, including stars Emily Atack, David Tennant and Danny Dyer, have already been rewarded with bumper pay rises, meaning stars are earning an eye-watering £1.5 million each.
Rivals star Katherine Parkinson has shared the cast's devastated reaction to the death of Dame Jilly Cooper, after she tragically passed away midway through filming
Ms Parkinson said: 'It was a real shock. Obviously she was, whatever age she was, it was a real shock and everyone was really quite stunned by it.
'But I think that we just want the show to do her justice even more than before, and I think it will, and we've got 12 episodes, and I'm really excited for you all to see.'
Earlier this month, Disney dropped a first look at the hotly-anticipated second series.
The trailer showcases the five main characters, including Tennant's Lord Tony Baddingham, the ruthless managing director of television company Corinium – and Ms Atack's rising TV star Sarah Stratton.
Then there's antagonist and long-standing enemy of Baddingham, Rupert Campbell-Black, a retired Olympic show-jumper turned Tory MP, played by Alex Hassell.
Declan O'Hara, played by Poldark's Aidan Turner, the ex-BBC journalist who got poached by Corinium, and Nafessa Williams' Cameron Cook, an American TV-producer, also return.
The main line-up is completed by Sex Education's Bella Maclean as Taggie O'Hara.
In the final episode of series one, Lord Baddingham was left for dead after being struck on the head with a trophy during an explosive confrontation with Cameron Cook.
But the trailer has confirmed he's alive and well – and back 'at war' with his TV rival Campbell-Black.
The synopsis teases: 'The battle for the Central South West television franchise reaches a fever pitch as the war between Corinium and Venturer enters a dangerous new phase.
The hit Disney+ show inspired by Dame Jilly's novels is set to return in May. Pictured: Dame Jilly, who died in October, with the cast in 2024
'More ruthless than ever, Tony Baddingham is determined to dismantle his rivals piece-by-piece, weaponising scandal and manipulating those closest to him to maintain his grip on power.
'Amidst the hedonistic glamour of 80s excess, the personal lives of our Rutshire heroes spiral into chaos.
'Marriages fracture under the weight of ambition, illicit affairs threaten to shatter families, and long-buried secrets ignite with explosive consequences.
'As rivalries push everyone to the brink, loyalties are tested and hearts are broken in the pursuit of victory. But what is the true cost of war?'
'The naughtiest show on television returns,' Disney+ added under the trailer, confirming its release date for May 15.
