Aidan Turner bares it all in steamy new Rivals trailer

Aidan Turner, known for his role in Poldark, is set to showcase his acting chops once again in the upcoming Disney+ series, Rivals. The 41-year-old actor will be shedding his shirt for the show, reminiscent of his heartthrob days in the popular period drama.

Rivals, an adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s novel, boasts a star-studded cast including David Tennant, Emily Atack, Danny Dyer, Katherine Parkinson, Oliver Chris, and Claire Rushbrook. The teaser trailer dropped by Disney+ promises plenty of steamy and racy scenes to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Turner will portray Declan O’Hara, an intelligent TV presenter who makes a career move from the BBC to the independent channel Corinium, only to face disappointment. His character is married to Maud, played by Victoria Smurfit, and sports a distinctive moustache for the role.

Set in 1986, Rivals delves into the competitive world of independent television, focusing on the rivalry between Rupert Campbell-Black, played by Alex Hassell, and Lord Tony Baddingham, portrayed by David Tennant. The series introduces a range of intriguing characters, including Sarah Stratton, played by Emily, Danny Dyer as Freddie Jones, and Lisa McGrillis as Valerie.

The show promises to be a ‘joyously mischievous rollercoaster ride, steamy in its love stories and packed with larger-than-life characters,’ according to Disney+. It aims to offer a fresh perspective on the 1980s, exploring themes of class, race, sex, wealth, and sexual liberation against the backdrop of British history.

Executive producer and author of Rivals, Jilly Cooper, expressed excitement about the stellar cast assembled for the series, praising the talent of the British Isles. Turner, in an interview, shared his enthusiasm for the project, joking about his retro appearance for the role and hinting at a well-deserved break post-filming.

The highly anticipated series is scheduled to premiere on Hulu in the U.S. and Disney+ in other countries later this year. With a mix of drama, romance, and intrigue, Rivals is poised to captivate audiences with its compelling storyline and dynamic performances.