Overview

• The author’s death at 88 after a fall at her Gloucestershire home was confirmed by her children, Felix and Emily.
• Her family urged producers not to pause work on Rivals, and production sources say series two is continuing as planned.
• The second run has been increased from eight to 12 episodes, with cast member Danny Dyer hinting it could be delivered in two six-episode blocks.
• Rights-holder Dominic Treadwell-Collins is reported to be planning further adaptations from the Rutshire Chronicles, though Disney+ has not announced new titles.
• Tabloid outlets estimate Cooper’s estate at around £10 million with her adopted children expected to inherit, a figure not confirmed by probate; she was made a dame in 2024 and had renewed visibility after Rivals’ success.