Dame Jilly Cooper Dies at 88; Rivals Cast and Fans Pay Tribute

Dame Jilly Cooper, acclaimed author known for her raunchy romance novels and bestselling Rutshire Chronicles series including Riders, Rivals, and Polo, died at age 88 following a fall. Her death came as a complete shock to her family, with her children describing her as a shining light whose love for family and friends knew no bounds. The Disney+ adaptation of Rivals, based on her novel, led cast members such as Alex Hassell, Danny Dyer, Victoria Smurfit, and others to pay heartfelt tributes, praising her generosity, warmth, and lasting impact. Hassell, who portrayed Rupert Campbell-Black, remembered her as a magical woman who supported him deeply, while Smurfit called her a "divine Queen" whose words and spirit will live forever. The production company Happy Prince TV also expressed deep sorrow and honored her legacy, recalling joyful moments working with her on the television adaptation. Overall, Dame Jilly Cooper is celebrated for her cultural influence, storytelling talent, and the affectionate relationships she maintained with those who brought her work to life on screen.