Jilly Cooper, 86, was born in Essex, grew up in Yorkshire and began her career as a journalist. She started publishing romance novels in 1975 and found fame during the 80s with bestsellers Riders and Rivals, part of the Rutshire Chronicles series. She’s also written many nonfiction titles and the Little Mabel children’s books. Her new novel, Tackle!, is set in the world of football. An eight-part TV adaptation of Rivals is scheduled for Disney+ next year.
Is it true your new novel, Tackle!, was inspired by former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson?
I sat next to him at lunch and was a bit nervous because I thought he might be quite fierce. But he was so charming and funny. We giggled like mad and had a lovely time together. So I thought why not write a book about football? I came up with the title fairly early because of the awful double entendre.
