It’s no secret that Rivals is, well, without a rival in regard to its all-star cast. While we’re certainly enjoying meeting the inhabitants of Rutshire in all their ’80s glory, with a particular shout out to those bristled top lips and endless garden parties with flowing fizz, there are a few faces behind our new raunchy neighbours that feel a little more familiar than others.
We’re knocking on the doors of the Rivals casting catalogues to see which projects you’ve likely seen them in before – from Cornish tin mining to the halls of a London sixth form, you’ll no doubt have met these stars outside of Rutshire’s rolling hills.
© WireImage via Getty ImagesAlex Hassell has worked across period dramas, sitcoms and superhero spoofs
Alex Hassell – Miranda, The Miniaturist, The Boys
It wouldn’t do to start with anyone other than Rupert Campbell-Black himself. Alex Hassell has appeared in several star projects that pre-date Rivals, including Anya Taylor-Joy’s mysterious husband in The Miniaturist and Translucent in The Boys.
But reaching back further into the actor’s credits, keen eyed viewers might recognise him as Edmund Dettori, the would-be love match Miranda Hart finds herself paired up with during a Tipping the Velvet ball hosted by her meddlesome mother. Sadly for Miranda, Edmund’s comically squeaky voice is a bit of a dealbreaker…
© WireImage via Getty ImagesEmily has always had a talent for grounded comedy and ‘Rivals’ is just the latest step in the actress’ journey
Emily Atack – The Inbetweeners, Almost Married
Emily Atack has certainly shown her talent for comedy timing and serious acting over the course of Rivals, but it’s a combination that the actress has always had something of a skill for.
Viewers will likely recognise her from teen comedy The Inbetweeners as the definitive cool-girl that Will and the gang pine after. Or, if you’re more of a movie-goer, you might recognise Emily from the 2014 comedy Almost Married, in which she starred opposite Philip McGinley.
© WireImage via Getty ImagesKatherine Parkinson was already an acclaimed actress before ‘Rivals’ came knocking
Katherine Parkinson – The IT Crowd, Doc Martin
Katherine Parkinson’s Lizzie Vereker is a fan favourite on the show as viewers wait for the latest sparks to fly between her and tech mogul Freddie, played by Danny Dyer. But Katherine was already a regular of light-hearted TV classics.
The actress starred alongside Chris O’Dowd and Richard Ayoade in The IT Crowd as Jen Barber, a computer novice who finds herself head of the IT department. She also played Doc Martin’s receptionist Pauline Lamb for several seasons of the hit show.
© Getty ImagesAidan Turner isn’t new to being a heartthrob, stealing plenty of hearts on Cornish period drama ‘Poldark’
Aidan Turner – Poldark, The Hobbit, Being Human
Anyone tuning in for the Rutshire romp is likely already familiar with BBC drama Poldark but Aidan Turner’s star role bears repeating. As well as the titular mine-owner Ross Poldark, Aidan stars in supernatural roommate comedy Being Human with Russell Tovey and Lenora Crichlow.
Of course, he’s also the face of Kili in The Hobbit who joins Richard Armitage, Martin Freeman and Orlando Bloom on a mission to defeat the dragon Smaug.
© Future Publishing via Getty ImagesDavid Tennant won audiences over as a villain, hero and anti-hero to really prove his acting prowess
David Tennant – Doctor Who, Good Omens
David Tennant has become such a recognisable face in British television it’s hard to narrow down any role as his most iconic. But with a new run on Rivals, he’s proving his star power anew.
He’s starred as the Tenth Doctor and the Fourteenth Doctor in BBC classic Doctor Who, demon Crowley in Good Omens and an extremely stressed-out teacher in Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger.
© Corbis via Getty ImagesVictoria Smurfit has done it all, from gritty crime dramas to touching Hugh Grant features and fantasy villain Cruella De Vil
Victoria Smurfit – About a Boy, Once Upon a Time, Bloodlands
Rivals’ Victoria Smurfit stars as Maud O’Hara, a determined but now-struggling actress waiting for a second chance at a big break. But in real life, the actress actually has an impressive credit list to her name.
Romcom fans may remember her as Suzie opposite Hugh Grant in About a Boy, while more recent audiences will recognise her from the crime thriller Bloodlands, in which she played Olivia Foyle. She’s also appeared in the fantasy series Once Upon a Time as Cruella De Vil.
