The Queen visits the set of "Rivals"

The Queen visited the set of Disney+’s TV drama, “Rivals”, which is currently filming its latest series on location in Bristol. Her Majesty learnt how the production has been a boost for creative industries in the South West, providing training and opportunities for young people from the region. 

Set against the backdrop of the Cotswolds countryside and the glamorous, high-stakes world of 1980s British television, “Rivals” was inspired by Dame Jilly Cooper’s book of the same name. Dame Jilly served as an Executive Producer on the series.

Featuring an all-star cast, the first series was released in October 2024 and became Disney+’s most successful general entertainment premiere in the UK, (based on views during its first 12 weeks). The series has received international acclaim, generating 11 award wins and 32 nominations, including an International Emmy for Best Drama Series in November. The series is produced by Happy Prince (part of ITV Studios). 

During a behind-the-scenes tour of the set, Her Majesty watched filming and met various members of the production team and actors working on the show. “Rivals”, is based on the best-selling novel by acclaimed author Dame Jilly Cooper, first published in 1988. Sadly, Dame Jilly Cooper passed away in October, but members of her family were present on set. 

Her Majesty also met local trainees from the Bristol area who are part of production for the latest season. The “Rivals” production team works with All Set West, the BFI National Lottery-funded skills package co-delivered by The Bottle Yard Studios. All Set West is designed to support diverse entry-level talent from the region into scripted film/TV production careers. 

Her Majesty toured some of the Costume Department and viewed outfits and designs, which showcased the 1980s style and fashion of the era. The “Rivals” production team has also collaborated with The King’s Foundation, and a member of the King’s Foundation alumni from the Foundation was present to discuss and show some of the pieces that have been worked on for the series. 

The Queen met with Dominic Hyman, Production Designer and members of the BAFTA award-winning production design team, as well as Jill Sweeney and members of her BAFTA award-winning Hair and Make-up team. 

Her Majesty also had the opportunity to observe filming from the upcoming series, including on the new ‘Master Dog’ set, as well as visiting Bar Sinister, Corinium corridors and the O’Hara family’s Priory Kitchen, where she met members of the cast, including: Alex Hassell, Aidan Turner, Victoria Smurfit, Bella Maclean and Nafessa Williams. 

Production of the new series is well underway for an extended season of twelve episodes. Filming takes place at The Bottle Yard Studios’ premium TBY2 facility in Bristol. The Disney+ drama was the first production to film at TBY2 when it opened in 2022. The state-of-the-art facility was backed by a £12m investment from the West of England Mayoral Authority, awarded to The Bottle Yard’s owners Bristol City Council to expand the Studio’s operations, following a decade of success as one of the leading regional hubs for film and High-End TV production outside the Capital. 

12 All Set West Trainees (who had completed the scheme’s ’set-ready’ training) were provided with skills placements on “Rivals” in Oct-Nov 2025. Each gained their first industry credit and valuable experience in the department they are interested in, including Art, Assistant Directing, Production Office, Camera, Locations and Sound.