RIVALS wins international Emmy

RIVALS wins International Emmy

RIVALS wins International Emmy

The Disney+ period comedy-drama RIVALS has claimed the top honor at this year’s International Emmy Awards, taking home the prize for best drama series in a ceremony that celebrates television excellence from productions originating outside the United States.

The series, adapted from Jilly Cooper’s beloved bonkbuster novels, features Irish actors Aidan Turner and Victoria Smurfit among an ensemble cast that includes David Tennant, Katherine Parkinson, and Danny Dyer. Set against the backdrop of the 1980s, RIVALS follows a group of wealthy media figures navigating ambition, rivalry, and scandal in an era of excess and transformation.

The show became an unexpected hit following its October 2024 release, captivating audiences with its sharp wit, sumptuous production design, and deliciously soapy storytelling. The series’ success has already secured its future, with a second season announced in August that will welcome Rupert Everett, known for MY BEST FRIEND’S WEDDING, and Hayley Atwell of AGENT CARTER into the fold. The International Emmy win solidifies RIVALS as a standout achievement in international television, proving that period drama with a contemporary edge can still capture the cultural zeitgeist and resonate with viewers hungry for glamorous escapism wrapped in biting social commentary.

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🏆 RIVALS just scooped the International Emmy for Best Drama Series! 

The Disney+ hit starring Irish talents Aidan Turner and Victoria Smurfit brought home the gold for this deliciously scandalous 1980s romp through the world of wealthy media types.

More at irishfilmtv.com.

...

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Watch now at irishfilmtv.com.

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Watch Paul's latest interview at irishfilmtv.com.

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Watch now on @netflix!

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Irish Television

RIVALS Season Two coming to Disney+

RIVALS Season Two coming to Disney+

RIVALS Season Two coming to Disney+

The champagne corks are popping in the Cotswolds as Disney+ officially greenlights RIVALS for a second season, with cameras already rolling as of May 2025. Jilly Cooper’s scandalous adaptation proved irresistible to viewers, transforming from a modest eight-episode debut into an expanded twelve-episode sophomore season that promises even more backstabbing, bedroom politics, and British upper-class debauchery.

The timing couldn’t be more perfect for the show’s breakout star. After years of bouncing between supporting roles in films like THE GENTLEMEN and television appearances that never quite captured the public imagination, this Cotswolds romp has become the career-defining moment that fans have been waiting for. The razor-sharp wit and aristocratic charm that made him a household name decades ago now feels perfectly calibrated for the ruthless world of 1980s British television, where power brokers circle like sharks in Savile Row suits.

Season one’s explosive finale left Lord Tony Baddingham’s fate hanging in the balance, while the simmering tension between Rupert Campbell Black and Taggie O’Hara reached a fever pitch that had viewers refreshing their Disney+ feeds for renewal news. The show’s success lies not just in its lavish period detail or the rolling hills of its countryside setting, but in how it captures the particular brand of cruelty that only the British elite can perfect, wrapped in enough sexual tension to steam up a Bentley’s windows.

The casting coup continues with Hayley Atwell and Rupert Everett joining as Helen and Malise Gordon, adding fresh blood to an already intoxicating mix of ambition and betrayal. These aren’t mere additions to fill episode time; they’re strategic moves that promise to deepen the show’s exploration of how power corrupts and how the wealthy play games with other people’s lives as their favorite pastime.

What started as a nostalgic trip back to shoulder pads and excess has evolved into something more substantial, a meditation on class, privilege, and the particular way that British society packages its cruelties in good manners and better tailoring. The show understands that behind every perfectly manicured estate lies a web of secrets that could destroy reputations, marriages, and entire empires with a single well-placed whisper at the right dinner party.

With filming underway and an early 2026 release window taking shape, RIVALS has positioned itself as the prestige drama that doesn’t apologize for being entertaining, proving that sometimes the most revealing stories about power come wrapped in silk scarves and served with a perfectly chilled glass of champagne. The second season won’t just continue where the first left off; it will dig deeper into the moral quicksand that lies beneath every perfectly pruned hedge in this glittering world where everyone has something to hide.

Gothic drama LIES WE TELL is now on Netflix.

With powerful performances by Agnes O'Casey and David Wilmot, the Irish drama takes Sheridan Le Fanu's classic novel UNCLE SILAS and transforms it into something urgent and vital for our moment.

More at irishfilmtv.com.

...

When Colin Farrell and Jessie Buckley finally sat down together, they were strangers—but within moments, the conversation became profound.

Both Irish actors are carrying the weight of devastating roles this year: Farrell as a gambling addict spiraling in Macau in BALLAD OF A SMALL PLAYER, Buckley as Agnes Shakespeare grieving her son in HAMNET.

Watch now at irishfilmtv.com.

...

From FAIR CITY to KNIVES OUT! Daryl McCormack shines in the new #netflix film WAKE UP DEAD MAN.

McCormack just wrapped Netflix's PRIDE AND PREJUDICE opposite Jack Lowden, Emma Corrin, and Olivia Colman. Talk about range: trading viral grift for Jane Austen elegance. Same actor, different century, wildly different moral compass.

More Daryl at irishfilmtv.com.

...

Eve Hewson brings ghosts to life in Noah Baumbach's JAY KELLY. 

From her breakout in THIS MUST BE THE PLACE to BAD SISTERS and beyond, she's now haunting George Clooney as Daphne—a face from the past that forces a movie star to confront who he became while chasing fame.

More Eve at irishfilmtv.com.

...

When the past catches up with you in Amsterdam 🌊

Ciarán Hinds and Lesley Manville star in MIDWINTER BREAK—a retired couple's winter getaway becomes a reckoning with memories they've tried to outrun for decades, in theatres Feb 20.

New trailer at irishfilmtv.com.

...

James Nesbitt is back in Harlan Coben's twisted universe. 🔍

RUN AWAY drops January 1st on #Netflix — and this one's personal. 

When Simon (Nesbitt) finally finds his missing daughter strung out in a city park, it's supposed to be a second chance. Instead, it's the beginning of a nightmare.

New trailer at irishfilmtv.com.

...

Are you loving STEVE on #Netflix?

Legendary war photographer Sir Don McCullin spent days on set capturing behind-the-scenes magic from this raw Netflix drama starring Cillian Murphy about a head teacher fighting to save his reform school while battling his own demons. 

More at irishfilmtv.com.

...

🏆 RIVALS just scooped the International Emmy for Best Drama Series! 

The Disney+ hit starring Irish talents Aidan Turner and Victoria Smurfit brought home the gold for this deliciously scandalous 1980s romp through the world of wealthy media types.

More at irishfilmtv.com.

...

From THE COMMITMENTS to THE TUDORS to KIN, @mariadoylekennedy has built a career that defies categories.

In a brand new interview with The Irish Examiner, Maria opens up about the artists and art that shaped her creative journey—from her Dublin roots to international screens and stages.

Watch now at irishfilmtv.com.

...

🎭 From Shakespeare to a Beatle: Paul Mescal is doing the impossible!

Oscar-nominated Irish actor Paul Mescal is taking on TWO iconic roles that prove he's one of the most fearless actors working today.

Watch Paul's latest interview at irishfilmtv.com.

...

Kerry Condon's brief but powerful performance in TRAIN DREAMS is pitch perfect.

She inhabits her character with quiet competence, moving through a male-dominated world with both caution and grace. 

Watch now on @netflix!

...

🎬 HAMNET stars to receive Vanguard Award at the Palm Springs International Film Awards!

A stunning meditation on love's fragility and art's power to transform suffering into transcendence. This is Irish talent at its absolute finest on the world stage.

More at irishfilmtv.com.

...

Netflix just quietly dropped a crime thriller you've been sleeping on, and Brendan Gleeson's performance alone makes it mandatory viewing. 

MR MERCEDES, Stephen King's dark detective series that somehow flew under the radar, is finally streaming – and it's everything fans of slow-burn psychological thrillers have been craving.

More at irishfilmtv.com.

...

Andrew Scott is about to steal another movie and we're absolutely here for it! 🔍

The trailer for WAKE UP DEAD MAN: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY has dropped, and our beloved Irish actor is joining Daniel Craig's Benoit Blanc for what looks like the most deliciously twisted instalment yet. 

Scott plays bestselling author Lee Ross, one of several suspects in a seemingly impossible murder that rocks a small town's religious community.

More at irishfilmtv.com.

...

From GLADIATOR II's arena to the quiet forests of Maine collecting folk songs on wax cylinders—Paul Mescal's latest role in THE HISTORY OF SOUND might be his most vulnerable yet.

Now on @amazonprime, the film follows Lionel, a shy musician from a Kentucky farm in the 1910s, who meets David White (Josh O'Connor) at the New England Conservatory. 

More at irishfilmtv.com.

...

Irish Television

Aidan Turner returns in RIVALS Season Two

Aidan Turner returns in RIVALS Season Two

Aidan Turner returns in RIVALS Season Two

Cameras are rolling once again in Rutshire as RIVALS season 2 officially begins production, and Disney+ has given fans their first tantalizing glimpse behind the scenes with newly released images that showcase the stellar cast diving back into Dame Jilly Cooper’s world of scandal, ambition, and sexual intrigue.

The production photos, shared across Disney’s social media channels, capture the energy and anticipation surrounding the show’s return, with Aidan Turner prominently featured alongside Alex Hassell, Nafessa Williams, and newcomer Bella Maclean. Turner’s presence in these behind-the-scenes glimpses signals his continued central role in what promises to be an even more explosive installment of the power-hungry drama that took audiences by storm.

The returning ensemble cast reads like a who’s who of British television talent, with Aidan Turner’s return being particularly significant for fans who have followed his career trajectory from BEING HUMAN to POLDARK and now to RIVALS. Turner, who has established himself as one of Britain’s most compelling leading men, brings his trademark intensity and charisma to the morally complex world of 1980s power plays. His presence alongside David Tennant, Katherine Parkinson, Alex Hassell, and Nafessa Williams ensures continuity in the intricate web of relationships that drive the narrative. Turner’s ability to navigate both romantic tension and political intrigue made him a standout in the first season, and his prominent placement in the new behind-the-scenes imagery suggests his character will continue to be at the heart of the show’s most compelling storylines.

RIVALS season 1 is available to stream on Disney+.

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Aidan Turner in LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES

Aidan Turner in LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES

Aidan Turner in LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES

In a significant theatrical announcement, Aidan Turner will star alongside Lesley Manville and Monica Barbaro in an eagerly anticipated revival of LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES at London’s National Theatre. This marks the first time Christopher Hampton’s celebrated adaptation of Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’ scandalous novel will grace the National’s stage, with performances expected to begin in spring 2026.

The production reunites acclaimed director Marianne Elliott with the venue after a nine-year absence, forming a centerpiece of Indhu Rubasingham’s inaugural season as Artistic Director. For Turner, this role represents another prestigious addition to a career that has evolved dramatically since his breakout in POLDARK. The Irish actor has strategically balanced his screen work with challenging stage performances, including his critically lauded turn in Martin McDonagh’s THE LIEUTENANT OF INISHMORE.

Turner will share the stage with BAFTA and Olivier Award-winner Manville, who joins fresh from her triumphant, award-winning performance in OEDIPUS at Wyndham’s Theatre—a production now Broadway-bound. Completing the high-profile casting trio is Barbaro, known for her role in TOP GUN: MAVERICK. The creative team assembling around this production includes set designer Rosanna Vize, costume designer Natalie Roar, movement director Tom Jackson Greaves, lighting designer James Farncombe, and sound designer Ian Dickson.

Elliott’s return to the National, where her previous credits include ANGELS IN AMERICA, THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME, and co-direction of WAR HORSE, promises to bring fresh perspective to Hampton’s 1985 adaptation, known for its sharp wit, psychological complexity, and themes of manipulation and seduction. While exact dates, further casting details, and ticket information remain forthcoming, the production’s announcement as part of a 16-show season signals Rubasingham’s ambitious artistic vision for one of the world’s leading theatrical institutions.

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Irish Theatre

RIVALS renewed for 2nd Season

RIVALS renewed for 2nd Season

RIVALS renewed for 2nd Season

Disney+’s sultry period drama RIVALS has captivated audiences with its delicious blend of 1980s nostalgia and steamy storytelling, with confirmation of a second season sending fans into a frenzy. The adaptation of Dame Jilly Cooper’s beloved 1988 novel has proven to be the “bonkbuster” of the year, aching with old-fashioned small screen sex appeal that viewers simply can’t get enough of.

At the heart of the series stands Aidan Turner as the dishy Irish TV presenter Declan O’Hara, who found himself entangled in the cutthroat world of independent television during the Thatcher era when recruited by the scheming Lord Baddingham, portrayed with delightful menace by David Tennant. Turner’s career renaissance continues with this role, following his critically acclaimed performances in POLDARK and LEONARDO, cementing his status as television’s go-to leading man for period dramas that combine substance with smoldering intensity.

The excitement for RIVALS‘ return recently amplified when series star Danny Dyer, who plays self-made businessman Freddie Jones, shared a promising production update during the Royal Television Society Programme Awards. “We’re on the eve of starting the second series,” Dyer revealed on March 25, humorously adding details about improvements to his character’s appearance: “The old ‘tache is on its way back. I’ve got a better wig which I’m excited about.” His co-star Katherine Parkinson echoed this enthusiasm, noting that with the second series, “[Dyer’s] had some more money spent on him.”

This production update follows executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins’ January confirmation that writing for the new season was officially underway, sharing a photo of himself with fellow producers posing alongside a cardboard cutout of Turner. While specific plot details remain scarce, fans can anticipate resolution to Tony’s fate—the only character whose storyline was left dangling at the first season’s conclusion.

Turner is expected to return alongside the impressive ensemble cast including Dyer, Parkinson, Tennant, Victoria Smurfit, Nafessa Williams, Bella Maclean, Claire Rushbrook, Emily Atack, Catriona Chandler, Oliver Chris, Rufus Jones, Lisa McGrillis, and Luke Pasqualino. Williams’ character, the glamorous American TV producer Cameron Cook, provided an intriguing foil to Turner’s O’Hara in the first season, with their initial antagonism developing into a more complex dynamic.

Dame Jilly Cooper herself, serving as executive producer, expressed unbridled enthusiasm about the renewal: “I’m orgasmic with excitement and cannot wait for the return of my superhero Rupert Campbell-Black and the rest of the characters in season two.” While no premiere date has been announced, production appears to be moving forward with momentum that mirrors the show’s passionate fanbase.

For Turner, RIVALS represents another triumph in a career trajectory that has skillfully balanced commercial appeal with artistic integrity. His portrayal of O’Hara—passionate, principled, yet flawed—has added another memorable character to his increasingly impressive portfolio, further establishing him as one of the most compelling actors of his generation. As cameras prepare to roll on season two, all eyes will be on Turner to see how he further develops this character within Cooper’s deliciously decadent world of ambition, revenge, and desire.

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Aidan Turner hits RIVALS red carpet

AIDAN TURNER hits the RIVALS red carpet

AIDAN TURNER hits the RIVALS red carpet

Anticipation mounts as Disney+ prepares to unveil its latest sensation this week. The star-studded adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s iconic 1988 novel RIVALS features Irish talents Aidan Turner and Victoria Smurfit, who recently graced the red carpet at the show’s premiere.

RIVALS plunges viewers into the cutthroat world of television, chronicling the fierce competition between the ambitious Rupert Campbell Black and the formidable Lord Tony Baddinham. Set to debut on Disney+ on October 18th, the series promises a gripping narrative of power, ambition, and rivalry.

Aidan Turner, a versatile Irish actor, brings his considerable talent to this high-profile project. Turner first captured audiences’ attention with his portrayal of the brooding vampire Mitchell in the supernatural drama BEING HUMAN (2009-2011). He then solidified his status as a leading man with his captivating performance as the titular character in the BBC’s historical drama POLDARK (2015-2019). Turner’s ability to embody complex characters with depth and charisma has established him as one of Ireland’s most compelling exports to the small screen.

With RIVALS, Turner adds another potentially career-defining role to his impressive television repertoire, which has consistently demonstrated his range and appeal across genres. As audiences eagerly await this latest offering, Turner’s involvement heightens expectations for what promises to be a must-watch series.

Watch Trailer

Irish Television

Aidan Turner in RIVALS

Cillian Murphy for HARRY POTTER

Aidan Turner in RIVALS

The highly-anticipated RIVALS, starring Aidan Turner, has finally got a release date – and there isn’t long to wait to become embroiled in the new series. Based on Dame Jilly Cooper’s novel, the show will be released on Disney Plus on Friday 18th October! The eight-part series is packed “full of romantic entanglements, dastardly deals, sex and wit”, and centres around the ruthless world of independent TV in the ’80s.

Watch Trailer

Irish Television

Aidan Turner in THE SUSPECT

ITV have released a first look trailer for new thriller THE SUSPECT starring POLDARK’S Aidan Turner. THE SUSPECT will star Aidan Turner alongside Shaun Parkes, Anjli Mohindra, Camilla Beeput, Adam James and Sian Clifford. In the trailer, a bearded Turner can be seen trying to unravel the mysterious death of a young woman who is found in a shallow grave in a West London cemetery and, in one dramatic scene, the Poldark actor is seen on the window ledge of a hospital next to a young man trying to save his life.

Watch Trailer