American actor Nafessa Williams was among the cast when Her Majesty, The Queen, visited the set of Disney+’s Emmy and BAFTA award-winning drama series, “Rivals” at The Bottle Yard’s TBY2 Studios’ in Bristol.
“Rivals”, which is currently filming its second season is based on the best-selling novel by the late and much missed Dame Jilly Cooper and is produced by Happy Prince (part of ITV Studios).
During today’s visit, Her Majesty completed a behind-the-scenes tour of the set led by Rivals’ award-winning Executive Producers, Dominic Treadwell-Collins, Alexander Lamb, Felicity Blunt and Laura Wade and Series Producer Eliza Mellor. Her Majesty observed filming, met various members of the production team as well as lead cast members including Alex Hassell (Rupert Campbell Black), Bella Maclean (Taggie O’Hara), David Tennant (Tony Baddingham), Nafessa Williams (Cameron Cook), Victoria Smurfitt (Maud O’Hara) and Oliver Chris (James Vereker).
An exclusive first look of the new ‘Master Dog’ set was revealed with Her Majesty getting to meet four of Rutshire’s finest canines, as well as stepping into the iconic Bar Sinister and the O’Hara family’s Priory Kitchen.
The Queen also learnt how the “Rivals” production team has provided a boost to the creative industries in the South West, providing training and opportunities for young people from the region. Her Majesty met with the series’ BAFTA award-winning Production Designer, Dominic Hyman, as well as the BAFTA award-winning Hair and Make-up team, led by Hair and Make-up Designer, Jill Sweeney.
A visit to the Costume Department
Dame Jilly Cooper passed away in October this year, but members of her family were present during the tour, as they celebrated the cultural impact of the legendry author.
“Rivals” will return in 2026 to Hulu in the U.S. and Disney+ in the UK and internationally. All episodes of “Rivals” season 1 are available to stream now, on Disney+.
