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Rivals episode 3 sees a New Year's Eve party end in drama and debauchery.

To much media fanfare and growing public anticipation, the Disney+ adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s Rivals (1988) begins on October 18. Cooper’s novel, first published in 1988, is a key “bonkbuster” text – a largely forgotten genre of women’s writing from the 1980s.

Rivals star Alex Hassell on what to expect from the steamy saga based on Dame Jilly Cooper’s famous novel

It’s been almost 40 years since Jilly Cooper released her scandalous, sex-filled novel ‘Rivals’, and now it’s finally been adapted for the small screen. Ellie Muir speaks to the cast about playing posh, and showrunner Dominic Treadwell-Collins tells her about the love letters he sent the author to try to…

The Rivals cast features David Tennant, Alex Hassell and Aidan Turner. Here’s our guide to who’s who…

Cooper’s novel is full of wisdom, wit and emotional intelligence. When put on screen, even the gratuitous sex feels oddly wholesome

The Disney+ adaptation of Jilly Cooper's best-selling novel boasts a who’s who of British stars

The swagger and the sheer star wattage here make up for a sporadic lack of pace and a complete lack of subtlety. Is it fun? Absolutely

As her much-loved story Rivals is turned into a lavish Disney+ production, the author answers questions from Observer readers and famous fans including David Tennant, Caitlin Moran and Gillian Anderson