Teen Secures Role in Disney+ Drama Rivals

A 17-year-old actress from Jersey has secured a role in Disney+’s upcoming series Rivals, a comedy-drama adapted from Dame Jilly Cooper’s bestselling novel.

Amelie Child-Villiers will appear as Beatrice Baddingham in the 1980s-set drama, which takes place in the Cotswolds. Her character is the on-screen sister of Olive Tennant, the real-life daughter of actor David Tennant.

Child-Villiers said she first auditioned for the part in March 2025, submitting a self-taped audition before being invited to attend a callback in person. She described her reaction to landing the role as overwhelming excitement, celebrating the news at home with her mother.

“I was incredibly nervous during the audition process,” she said, adding that her father helped her rehearse the lines repeatedly beforehand.

Describing her character, Child-Villiers said Beatrice is “bratty and snarky”, a contrast to her sister’s kinder and sweeter personality in the series.

The young actress has already gained screen experience, having previously appeared in Apple TV’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. She said her acting career began after being spotted by an agent while attending local drama clubs.

Child-Villiers cited Florence Pugh as one of her inspirations, praising the British actor’s versatility across both comedic and emotional roles.

Rivals is expected to be released on Disney+ later this year.