Set in the Cotswolds and London against the backdrop of the drama, excess, and shocking antics of the power-grabbing social elite of 1980s England, ‘Rivals’ delves headfirst into the ruthless world of independent television in 1986. But it might surprise you that much of the newest Disney+ drama was filmed in Bristol.
It’s not the first time the South West city has stood in for the capital – from British classic ‘Only Fools & Horses’ to last year’s ‘Rain Dogs’ starring Daisy May Cooper – and won’t be the last. The new eight-part drama was primarily shot at The Bottle Yard Studios’ TBY2 facility, but also on location in Bristol and the West Country.
Produced by Happy Prince, part of ITV Studios, ‘Rivals’ is based on the romance novel by best-selling author Dame Jilly Cooper. Its star-studded cast includes Alex Hassell, Bella Maclean, Katherine Parkinson, David Tennant, Aidan Turner, Nafessa Williams, Emily Atack, Catriona Chandler, Danny Dyer, Rufus Jones, Lisa McGrillis, Luke Pasqualino, Claire Rushbrook and Victoria Smurfit.
“We were able to build the TV studio, complete with a 1980’s control room on one of the stages and used the second stage for other Corinium TV interiors, the Priory kitchen and sitting room and many other small sets that were needed across the series,” said producer Eliza Mellor.
“We also had our production and art department offices on-site at The Bottle Yard and the staff were on hand to help with all our requirements. We were able to find all the locations within a 30-mile radius of The Bottle Yard. And one of the big attractions of filming in the Bristol area is that there are so many local crew of a very high calibre to choose from.”
The highly anticipated series was the first to film at The Bottle Yard Studios’ new TBY2 facility – which is based in South Bristol and opened in 2022. Pre-production took place between December 2022 and March 2023, followed by a six-month shoot that wrapped in September 2023.
Where in Bristol did they film ‘Rivals?’
On top of TBY2, ‘Rivals’ often took to Bristol’s streets too – including Corn Street, Broad Street and Queen Square – where cast members were filmed driving one-person electric tricycles, Sinclair C5s, from the era. The Harbour Hotel at 53-55 Corn Street even stood in for a London hotel, where guests were filmed arriving on the red carpet for TV awards; while Cosy Club (31 Corn Street) was used for club scenes.
‘Rivals’ most eye-catching on-location filming takes place in Episode 1, however. A supersonic passenger jet features in the opening sequences, which of course was filmed onboard at Aerospace Bristol in Filton. On the less glamorous side, also keep an eye out for red double-deckers, which became a common sight as Bristol doubled for ’80s London, heading to ‘Marble Arch’.
It’s not just Bristol’s sight that stole the show though, but the local talented crew that made it happen. “Bristol has lots of very experienced and talented crew and it was a pleasure to work there”, says Gary Matsell, Head of Production at ITV Studios. “The core crew was approx 120, but there were lots of dailies, suppliers, 2nd unit crew etc, who would come and go. Probably 90% were local to the West of England region.”
Where else in the South West was used?
Looking further afield, Tetbury in Gloucestershire becomes the fictional town of Cotchester (‘Rivals’ is set in the fictional country of Rutshire). Transforming both Long Street and Church Street, while St Mary’s Church became St Agnes and St Isaac Cotchester for the wedding. Wiltshire’s Corsham was also used. Disney+’s ‘Rivals’ also filmed at the now-closed Battleaxes Pub in Wraxall, Somerset.
Meanwhile, Chavenage House outside of Tetbury is TV presenter Declan O’Hara’s (Aidan Turner) home, The Priory. Lord Baddingham’s (David Tennant) home, The Falconry, is actually a privately owned stately home near Corsham, Neston Park. While, Hamilton Terrace, home of Cameron Cook (Nafessa Williams) is Berkeley House in Tetbury.
‘Rivals’ is available now on Disney+ in the UK and Hulu in the US.