Rivals fans decode potential real-life counterparts to characters as they claim 'must be'

Rivals has been airing on Disney+ and fans are convinced that they've 'worked out' the real-life counterparts of some of the characters - from James Vereker to Declan O'Hara

Disney+'s steamy adaptation of Jilly Cooper's "Rivals" has viewers buzzing as they spot uncanny resemblances between the show's characters and real-life figures. The author herself has confirmed that the dashing Rupert Campbell-Black, portrayed by Alex Hassell, was inspired by none other than Queen Camilla's former flame, Andrew Parker-Bowles.

Eagle-eyed fans are diving deep to decode if any other characters from the 1980s-set drama mirror actual entertainment icons of the era.

One 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?".

Meanwhile, 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 chimed in with agreement: "I think you nailed it!"

The real Clive Hollick, now 79, is known for his savvy business dealings and media ventures, particularly making waves in the finance world during the early 70s.

The speculation doesn't stop there; fans have theories about James Vereker too, played by Oliver Chris. Described as a "bumbling TV presenter" one viewer, Illustrious-Yellow49, likened him to "Alan Partridge so, by extension, more than a hint of Richard Madeley".

Extreme-Slight shared an intriguing nugget, revealing: "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 Aiden Turner's Declan O'Hara drew comparisons with the beloved broadcaster Terry Wogan.

A user speculated that Turner's role had some inspiration from the late icon, posting: "Aidan Turner's character Declan surely must be based in part on Terry Wogan?".

Another joined the conversation and said about the book's character: "In the book I thought Declan was based on Terry Wogan being Irish n all." [Sic].

Fans also likened Taggie O'Hara (played by Bella Maclean) to the late Princess Diana, with one fan suggesting: "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."

To this observation, Plexmaniac responded positively: "I can see that", leading to Istara's input: "And dyslexic!".

Remembering another detail, Plexmaniac added: "Oh yes! I forgot Princess Di was dyslexic."

Despite drawing on iconic figures, the series itself unfolds within the made-up Rutshire county.

Rivals is available to watch on Disney+