Rivals fans 'figure out' real-world counterparts of beloved characters as they claim 'It's got to be'

The steamy Jilly Cooper adaptation 'Rivals' on Disney+ has viewers buzzing with its characters that bear striking resemblances to real-world personalities. The author herself has confirmed that the character Rupert Campbell-Black, portrayed by Alex Hassell, was modelled after Queen Camilla's former beau, Andrew Parker-Bowles.

Eager fans have been delving deep to uncover if other characters from the show mirror actual entertainment figures from the 1980s.

On Reddit, user Alternative_List_669 speculated: "Freddie Jones, self-made 80s Essex electronics millionaire, has got to be Alan Sugar? And Tony Baddingham, with his braces and cigars and Lordship, Michael Grade, who ran BBC1 in the 80s?".

Yet another fan, VastJackfruit, suggested: "I think that David Tennant's character seems like it could be based on Clive (Baron) Holick, and the TV station could be Meridian Broadcasting."

Plexmaniac agreed, saying: "I think you nailed it!"

Clive Hollick, now 79, is known for his media ventures and earned a name for himself as a savvy financier and dealmaker, particularly in the early 70s.

The character James Vereker, brought to life by Oliver Chris, has also sparked comparisons among fans.

Described as a "bumbling TV presenter" Illustrious-Yellow49 likened him to "Alan Partridge so, by extension, more than a hint of Richard Madeley."

Extreme-Slight offered a unique perspective, sharing: "He was based on a local West Country news reporter called Chris Vacher, he used to be very proud of it. I think Jilly was a friend."

The character of Declan O'Hara, portrayed by Aidan Turner, has seemingly been likened to the late Terry Wogan, as one fan posited: "Aidan Turner's character Declan surely must be based in part on Terry Wogan?".

Echoing this sentiment, Noegoherenearly suggested: "In the book I thought Declan was based on Terry Wogan being Irish n all." [Sic].

Discussions around Taggie O'Hara (Bella Maclean) drew comparisons to Princess Diana, with commentary such as: "I think Taggie is a young princess Diana, back when she was Lady Di.....kind to children and animals, mother wayward, fell for an older man."

Adding to the conversation, Plexmaniac concurred: "I can see that", while Istara brought up another trait: "And dyslexic!"

To which Plexmaniac responded: "Oh yes! I forgot Princess Di was dyslexic."

Amidst these character theories, it's noted that the series incorporates real-life parallels despite unfolding in the make-believe county of Rutshire.

Rivals is available to watch on Disney+