Rivals stars address backlash to queer character’s shock death: ‘It’s complicated’

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Warning: spoilers ahead for Rivals. It was the death nobody saw coming, least of all the Jilly Cooper acolytes. In a right turn from the bonkbuster source material, the Rivals midseason finale saw Lady Monica Baddingham (Claire Rushbrook) drive into the raving whip of a storm, never to come home. In Cooper’s book, Monica leaves her marriage and finds love with a woman, but showrunner Dominic Treadwell-Collins sought out the late novelist’s permission for the alteration. Her death was a catastrophic blow; to the Rutshire revellers, to the cast who adore Rushbrook and to the fans, particularly given that Monica was a closeted queer character finally leaving her scumbag husband. Plus, the stormy scenes aired during Pride month. In the back half of the season – which kicks off on Disney Plus today – the ramifications of her loss are felt, particularly for the men in her life. Metro asked the cast about fan complaints over the drastic departure, given that some felt the show had fallen into the trope-y trap of killing off LGBTQ+ characters to give the men more to do. ‘It’s heartbreaking, and we don’t like her not being around,’ Bella Maclean said (Picture: Disney/Robert Viglasky) In the back half of the season, the ramifications of Lady Monica’s loss are felt (Picture: Disney/Robert Viglasky) Join Metro's LGBTQ+ community on WhatsApp With thousands of members from all over the world, our vibrant LGBTQ+ WhatsApp channel is a hub for all the latest news and important issues that face the LGBTQ+ community. Simply click on this link, select ‘Join Chat’ and you’re in! Don't forget to turn on notifications! Alex Hassell, who plays Rupert Campbell-Black, acknowledged that they are not on the writing team, so there is only so much they can answer to, adding: ‘I do think that – because they knew where they were going – they wrote up the character to some amazing heights. ‘She got to do some really incredible human stuff that is some of the best work of either series.’ One instance airs in these new episodes – more on that in a moment. Bella Maclean said Monica’s death also aided ‘amazing’ plots for other women in the show, such as Caitlin (Catriona Chandler), who was in the passenger seat when the hulking tree fell on their car. ‘It aided a lot of, not only the men, but also the women because I think it was the catalyst for Lizzie’s character to go for what she’s really after,’ added Maclean, referring to that fan-favourite love affair. Lady Monica Baddingham’s end in the show is different to that in the Rivals book (Picture: Disney/Robert Viglasky) Maclean said Monica’s death aided ‘amazing’ plots for other women in the show (Picture: Disney/James Pardon) They agree The Great Storm episode was one of the strongest of the show so far. ‘I’ve actually got goosebumps now just talking about it,’ said Luca Pasqualino, who plays Bas. Maclean likens Monica’s death to a bomb going off, upending everyone in Rutshire. ‘It is heartbreaking because she’s also beloved and is one of all of our closest friends, so it’s agony,’ she added. She is clearly in two minds about the whole thing, going back and forth as we speak. ‘It’s such a loved character. But you need a character that is so loved in order to make such an impact,’ she said. Then: ‘But it’s heartbreaking, and we don’t like her not being around. It’s complicated.’ ** Rivals season 2 episode 7 spoilers follow ** To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video When we return to Rivals, it isn’t just an erratic, snarling Tony Baddingham who is struggling to accept Monica’s death. It is also Rupert, who we learn was there for her final moments. These episodes see the show go from a series of parties to a string of screaming matches (mostly cast from Tony’s mouth). But amongst the thunder, there is this crushing, quiet flashback scene with Rupert and Monica, as she dies. ‘It was really upsetting,’ said Hassell, who used that phrase again and again as he recalled filming what will likely be Rushbrook’s final scenes on the show. For everyone, it’s like a bomb that goes off Quote Quote He praised her acting prowess, and it is a tour de force from the pair of them. ‘The task she had in those scenes is really no mean feat. And she was so specific with the realistic-ness that she brought to it,’ he said. ‘It was just really upsetting. You are trying to make as thin as possible the veil of what is real and what is not for yourself, if you know what I mean. And I just found it very, very upsetting.’ I’m not sure it will pacify those who felt fed up after her death, but it certainly gives the show a weight it has so far only skated over, on the way to another party, another drink, and another bed. Deals of the Day The Orlando holiday deal Disney fans shouldn't miss We're adding this discounted NEOM gift set straight to basket Want an LED face mask for less? This Black Friday deal could save you hundreds This teeth whitening sale could save you up to 64% before Black Friday The best Black Friday sleep deals to upgrade your bedroom with Simba’s 33% off sale Rivals returns to Disney Plus with three episodes on November 11, then weekly until December 2. 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