Cast of 'Rivals' Remember Executive Producer Dame Jilly Cooper

May 10, 2026, 10:40
EuropeEntertainment

Introduction

Actors Alex Hassell and Victoria Smurfit have shared their memories of author and executive producer Dame Jilly Cooper and explained how her death affected the production of the Disney+ series 'Rivals'.

Main Body

Dame Jilly Cooper passed away in October at her home in Gloucestershire after suffering injuries from a fall. This happened while the second series of 'Rivals'—a drama based on her books and set in the 1980s television industry—was being filmed. Producer Eliza Mellor informed the cast of the news during production. Despite the sad news, filming continued because the author had expressed her wish for the project to be completed. Several cast members emphasized the professional and personal impact Cooper had on them. Alex Hassell, who plays Rupert Campbell-Black, asserted that the show's commercial success was due to Cooper's excellent storytelling. Similarly, Victoria Smurfit, who plays Maud O’Hara, described the author's creative work as 'genius'. Hassell also mentioned that while he was initially nervous about his casting, he has since gained public acceptance following the show's release. To honor her memory, a memorial service was held at Southwark Cathedral in January, where guests enjoyed large amounts of champagne. Furthermore, the Queen, who was a close friend of Cooper, visited the cast and crew in Bristol to pay her respects.

Conclusion

The production of 'Rivals' continues to be shaped by the literary legacy and the leadership of the late Dame Jilly Cooper.

Learning

🚀 The 'B2 Power-Up': Moving Beyond Simple Verbs

At the A2 level, you likely use words like said, thought, or was. To reach B2, you need precision. Look at how this article describes people's reactions. Instead of saying "He said it was successful," the author uses asserted.

⚡ The Precision Shift

Compare these two ways of saying the same thing:

  • A2 Style: "Alex Hassell said the show was a success because of the stories." (Simple, clear, but basic).
  • B2 Style: "Alex Hassell asserted that the show's commercial success was due to Cooper's excellent storytelling." (Strong, confident, professional).

Why this matters: Asserted doesn't just mean 'said'; it means to state something forcefully and confidently. Using verbs like this changes how a listener perceives your authority in English.

🛠️ Linguistic Tool: The "Impact" Chain

B2 speakers connect ideas using sophisticated links. Notice the flow in the text:

Despite the sad news →\rightarrow filming continued →\rightarrow because the author had expressed her wish.

Instead of using but or so (A2), the text uses Despite and Furthermore.

Pro Tip: Next time you want to say "But...", try starting your sentence with "Despite [Noun/Gerund], ...".

  • A2: I was tired, but I finished the work.
  • B2: Despite being tired, I finished the work.

📖 Vocabulary Expansion: The 'Legacy' Cluster

To talk about a person's life and death at a higher level, stop using died for everything. Use these phrases found in the text:

  1. Passed away: A polite, softer way to say someone died.
  2. Pay her respects: To visit or honor someone who has died.
  3. Literary legacy: The books and influence a writer leaves behind after they are gone.

Challenge: Notice how "the late Dame Jilly Cooper" uses the word late. In this context, it doesn't mean 'tardy' (not on time); it means she is no longer living. This is a classic B2 nuance!

Vocabulary Learning

executive (adj.)
a person in a high-ranking position in a company or organization
Example:The executive decided to postpone the meeting.
producer (n.)
a person who organizes and oversees the production of a film, TV show, or other media
Example:The producer coordinated the filming schedule.
memories (n.)
recollections of past events or experiences
Example:She shared her memories of working with the director.
injuries (n.)
physical harm or damage to the body
Example:He suffered injuries after the fall.
drama (n.)
a genre of narrative performance that focuses on conflict and emotion
Example:The drama series explores complex relationships.
television (n.)
a system for transmitting visual images and sound for entertainment or information
Example:Television has changed how we consume news.
industry (n.)
a sector of the economy that produces goods or services
Example:The film industry has grown rapidly.
cast (n.)
the group of actors in a play, film, or TV show
Example:The cast rehearsed for weeks before filming.
news (n.)
information about recent events, especially from the media
Example:The news reported on the sudden announcement.
filming (n.)
the process of recording a film or TV program
Example:Filming began after the script was finalized.
continued (v.)
to keep happening or existing
Example:The project continued despite the challenges.
author (n.)
a person who writes books or other literary works
Example:The author signed copies at the event.
expressed (v.)
to convey a thought or feeling in words or actions
Example:She expressed her gratitude to the team.
wish (n.)
a desire or hope for something to happen
Example:He made a wish for the project's success.
completed (v.)
to finish or bring to an end
Example:The episode was completed ahead of schedule.
emphasized (v.)
to give special importance to something
Example:He emphasized the need for teamwork.
professional (adj.)
relating to a job that requires special training or skill
Example:She maintained a professional attitude at work.
personal (adj.)
relating to an individual's private life or feelings
Example:He shared his personal experiences with the audience.
impact (n.)
the effect or influence of one thing on another
Example:The new policy had a significant impact on sales.
commercial (adj.)
relating to advertising or business for profit
Example:The commercial break featured a popular brand.
success (n.)
the achievement of a desired aim or result
Example:The show's success attracted many viewers.
storytelling (n.)
the art of narrating a story to an audience
Example:Effective storytelling engages listeners.
creative (adj.)
having the ability to produce new ideas or works
Example:Her creative approach solved the problem.
genius (n.)
an exceptionally talented or intelligent person
Example:The author was praised as a literary genius.
initially (adv.)
at the beginning or at first
Example:Initially, he was hesitant to join the project.
nervous (adj.)
feeling anxious or worried
Example:She felt nervous before the live performance.
casting (n.)
the process of selecting actors for roles
Example:Casting for the lead role began last month.
gained (v.)
to acquire or obtain something
Example:He gained valuable experience during the shoot.
public (adj.)
relating to or affecting the general population
Example:The public responded positively to the announcement.
acceptance (n.)
the act of agreeing to or receiving something
Example:Her acceptance of the award was heartfelt.
release (n.)
the act of making something available to the public
Example:The release of the new season was delayed.
honor (n.)
a respectful recognition of someone's achievements
Example:The ceremony was a great honor for the team.
memorial (n.)
a tribute or ceremony to remember someone who has died
Example:The memorial service honored her legacy.
service (n.)
an act of helping or doing work for someone
Example:The service was held at the local cathedral.
cathedral (n.)
a large, important church, especially one that is the seat of a bishop
Example:The cathedral hosted the memorial ceremony.
guests (n.)
people who are invited to attend an event
Example:Guests enjoyed the champagne at the reception.
champagne (n.)
a sparkling wine from the Champagne region of France
Example:Champagne was served during the celebration.
queen (n.)
a female monarch or a woman who holds a position of high authority
Example:The queen visited the cast to pay her respects.
friend (n.)
a person who is attached to another by affection or mutual trust
Example:She was a close friend of the author.
visited (v.)
to go to see someone or something for a short time
Example:He visited the studio to meet the crew.
crew (n.)
the group of people who work together on a production
Example:The crew handled all technical aspects of filming.
pay (v.)
to give money or money in return for services or goods
Example:They paid the actors according to the contract.
respects (n.)
honor or admiration for someone or something
Example:They offered their respects at the memorial.
literary (adj.)
relating to literature or written works
Example:Her literary achievements were celebrated.
legacy (n.)
something passed on from the past, especially a tradition or influence
Example:Her legacy continues to inspire writers.
leadership (n.)
the action of leading or the ability to guide others
Example:His leadership was crucial to the project's success.