Disney+ series Rivals has set stormed by police as Danny Dyer co-star arrested in front of cast
Actor Nigel Adams was arrested on the set of Disney+ drama Rivals whilst he was still in costume, following allegations of assault against his ex-girlfriend.
The 45-year-old supporting actor was detained by six officers at Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire on June 4, where filming for the show’s second series was underway.
It is understood Adams had been shooting a polo scene alongside Danny Dyer just an hour before two police cars arrived at the location. Cast members watched in shock as the former bricklayer was led away in handcuffs.
The arrest relates to an alleged assault at a property in Weston-super-Mare on May 31, when police were called to the address at 2am.
Officers from Avon and Somerset Police had reportedly been tipped off that Adams was working on the Rivals set that week.
The dramatic arrest unfolded whilst cast members were still in their costumes from filming the polo match scene.
“It was very dramatic. Everyone was in their costumes and Danny was filming this polo scene when an hour later police suddenly turned up to arrest one of the extras,” a source told The Sun. “It was shocking.”
Adams, who was playing a polo match spectator, appeared stunned as he was detained.
The arrest occurred at the historic Berkeley Castle, where the highly-anticipated second series of the Jilly Cooper adaptation is currently in production.
Adams spent two nights in police custody before appearing at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Friday, where he was charged with assault causing actual bodily harm.
He entered no plea and was granted conditional bail until his next appearance at Bristol Crown Court on July 7.
The supporting actor has built a career appearing in various television productions, including Doctor Who, Casualty, House of the Dragon and The Forsyte Saga.
In 2022, he featured in the film Prizefighter: The Life of Jem Belcher alongside Ray Winstone.
Adams, who lives in Locking, Somerset, works as a bricklayer but has been expanding his television work in recent years.
The alleged assault is said to have occurred at his ex-girlfriend’s home in Weston-super-Mare.
Production company Happy Prince addressed the incident in a statement to the publication: “On the 4th June, the police visited the set regarding an unrelated matter involving a supporting artist.
“Production co-operated with the police. We do not have any further information as it is not connected to Rivals or to our production.”
Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that a man from Locking, Somerset, was arrested at Berkeley Castle on June 4 and charged with assault and causing actual bodily harm.
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The incident occurred during filming of Rivals’ second series, which was confirmed in December 2024 following the show’s success with viewers.
Set in 1986, the series depicts the competitive world of television and features the rivalry between characters played by Alex Hassell and David Tennant.