Emily Atack and Claire Rushbrook Reflect on Bold Scenes, ‘Naughty’ Jilly Cooper, and the Glamour of 1980s TV

Emily Atack recently shared her experience filming steamy scenes for Disney+'s upcoming romantic drama Rivals. The series is an adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s bestselling novel, set in the cutthroat world of independent television in the 1980s. Atack plays Sarah Stratton, the ambitious wife of the deputy prime minister, and revealed that although her family and friends are used to seeing her in provocative roles, they might not be prepared for how bold her latest performance is.

"My family has seen me do this quite a lot now, almost worryingly," Atack said, with a playful laugh. As the daughter of actress Kate Robbins and musician Keith Atack, she comes from a showbiz family and believes they approach it from a professional perspective. Still, she joked about shielding the eyes of her father and son from certain scenes. Atack became a mother in June, welcoming her first child, a boy named Barney.

The series, which stars Alex Hassell as notorious womanizer MP Rupert Campbell-Black and David Tennant as Tony Baddingham, the charismatic controller of Corinium Television, delves deep into both personal and professional conflicts. While the raunchy scenes are central to the plot, Atack emphasized the care that went into their creation. "I was completely comfortable, completely fine," the actress explained, noting that the scenes were carefully choreographed with intimacy coordinators. "It's all very well thought out. The writing is beautiful, and the scenes are integral to the storyline. It’s not just nakedness for the sake of it."

Claire Rushbrook, who portrays Lady Monica Baddingham, wife to Tennant's character, echoed Atack’s sentiments. She praised Cooper’s playful nature and writing, saying that the steamy elements of the show feel more like a “joyous celebration” of the 1980s world the characters inhabit. "Jilly is playful and joyous in her writing. It’s all tongue-in-cheek and never crosses into salaciousness," Rushbrook explained. "There’s care for the actors, and everything fits into a bigger, joyful picture."

When asked about author Jilly Cooper’s presence on set, both actresses were enthusiastic. Rushbrook described Cooper as having a "glowing, impish, gorgeous energy," while Atack called her a "legend" who brought infectious enthusiasm to the set. "She encouraged us to have fun with it," Atack said, adding that Cooper’s visits were a mix of excitement and nerves, as if "the headmistress was in the room." Rushbrook chimed in with a laugh, saying Cooper felt more like "the naughtiest girl in school."

The series Rivals brings the iconic novel to life with humor, boldness, and a deep dive into the turbulent world of 1980s television. Fans of Jilly Cooper’s work can expect a show that is just as playful and provocative as her beloved book.