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Rivals Stars: Forbidden Love Felt Like a Fluke
23 May
Summary
- Actors Danny Dyer and Katherine Parkinson found their characters' affair surprising.
- The actors felt pressure to maintain audience interest in season two.
- They credit the writers for making an affair relatable to viewers.

The unexpected success of the forbidden romance between Freddie and Lizzie in Rivals season 1, portrayed by Danny Dyer and Katherine Parkinson, has captivated audiences. Both actors expressed surprise at the strong fan reaction, with Dyer calling it a "fluke." Initially appearing in limited roles, their chemistry resonated deeply, prompting concern about maintaining audience interest for season two.
Parkinson noted the delicate portrayal of the affair, where both characters are married to others. She felt invested from the script's inception and trusted Dyer's involvement. Dyer echoed this sentiment, feeling destined to work with Parkinson, and they found an easy, unspoken rhythm, focusing on the unspoken emotions and pain between their characters.
Dyer highlighted the writing team's brilliance for crafting a world where viewers could root for infidelity due to its tender execution. He described Freddie and Lizzie as complex but kind individuals with good hearts, who are decent parents and spouses but lack love in their primary relationships. Both actors feel fortunate to portray these compelling characters.