Rivals cast and crew pay tribute to 'funny' and 'spirited' writer Jilly Cooper who died during filming: 'It came out of the blue'
"She'll be greatly missed"
Rivals series 2 is back on our screens just months after writer Jilly Cooper tragically died during filming, so it’s only fitting that the show has paid touching tribute to her.
Fans of the Disney+ series will know that Jilly was the (filthy) mind behind the Rutshire Chronicle books. Although she penned dozens of popular fictional books – and some non-fiction – her gift to readers will always remain character of Rupert Campbell-Black. Now brought to life by actor Alex Hassell in Rivals.
Dame Jilly Cooper was heavily involved in the Disney+ adaptation of Rivals, serving as an executive producer and acting as a hands-on consultant for the series. She sadly died during the filming of series 2, and cast and crew felt the loss as a heavy blow.
Rivals honour Dame Jilly Cooper in end-of-credits tribute
Unsurprisingly, Rivals have paid tribute to Dame Jilly Cooper in series 2. At the end of the episode 1 (released on Friday, May 15, 2026), viewers will see a picture of the author alongside the words: “Dame Jilly Cooper 1937-2025.” And, wow, Jilly looks fire in this black and white picture from her past.
It’s a short but sweet tribute to the woman who made the brilliant Disney+ series possible.
Tragically, dog-lover Jilly died suddenly in October 2025 aged 88. At the time, her children Felix and Emily shared the news of her death. They revealed that she’d passed away after suffering a fall. They said in a statement: “Mum, was the shining light in all of our lives. Her love for all of her family and friends knew no bounds. Her unexpected death has come as a complete shock.”
They added: “We are so proud of everything she achieved in her life and can’t begin to imagine life without her infectious smile and laughter all around us.”
Jilly Cooper’s cause of death
During an inquest into her death, the court heard that Dame Jilly was found by family at her house in Bisley, Gloucestershire at about 5pm on October 4. Dame Jilly was initially alert. She was transferred by paramedics to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital but her condition deteriorated, Gloucestershire Coroners’ Court heard.
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She died in hospital, with her family present at 8.30am on October 5. Katy Skerrett, senior coroner for Gloucestershire, reached a conclusion of accidental death and said Dame Jilly died as a result of a traumatic subdural haematoma.
‘She will be greatly missed’
Talking about the great Jilly Cooper ahead of Rivals series 2, the cast shared their memories on Access All Areas Rivals Behind The Scenes, currently available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
Lisa McGrillis, who plays Valerie Jones, said: “Every year, Jilly hosted a garden party and the Champagne was flowing, and canapés. That was six weeks before she died. She was still so full of life and mischief. Jilly was so excited about the second series, you know. She was completely across it. She read every single episode, and signed it off. Everything had her seal of approval.”
Aidan Turner, who portrays Declan O’Hara, added: “She was such a spirited figure on set – funny, and filthy, and brilliant. She really loved our show, and loved what we are doing with it. I think she was really, really proud. I’m just delighted that she got a chance to see the first series, and meet us all, and be a part of the second series in the capacity that she was. She’ll be greatly missed.”
Taggie actress Bella Maclean shared one of Jilly’s most famous quotes. She said: “There’s a famous quote that Jilly said. ‘When you get into heaven your favourite dog will be running towards you. That’s perfect.”
The actual quote reads: “My best thing is that when you arrive in heaven, all your dogs come rushing across a green lawn to meet you, with your favourite dog leading the pack. That will do for me. That would be heaven.”
Rivals cast pay tribute to Jilly Cooper
Rupert Campbell-Black actor Alex Hassell added: “She would constantly say, not just to me, but to basically all the men: ‘You’re so sexy. Oh darling, you’re so sexy.’ I mean it’s not unhelpful.”
David Tennant, aka Tony Baddingham, said: “The memories of her are full of joy and full of life, And, frankly, full of Champagne. To be able to continue to tell those stories, and to do it now in a sense of making her proud is something that we’re all holding very dear.”
Talking on The One Show, he revealed: “Oh yeah, she was part of the writing team. Obviously, she created the source material, but she’s been involved in the scripts, and she’s been all over it from day one and on set. She’s been so encouraging and so generous and I think we all feel quite privileged to have got to know her. We were filming when we lost her. It came out of the blue and took a bit of getting over.”
David also let slipped a little “exclusive”, saying: “She even has a hand in the story lining of season three, which hasn’t even happened yet!”
Read more: Rivals series 2: Every song on the perfectly nostalgic 80s soundtrack from Sade to Bucks Fizz
