Jilly Cooper , the prolific British author whose steamy Rutshire Chronicles novels were the basis of Disney+ comedy-drama Rivals , has died aged 88.

She passed away suddenly on Sunday morning after a fall, according to a statement from her agent, Curtis Brown .

“Mum was the shining light in all of our lives,” read a statement from her children, Emily and Felix. “Her love for all of her family and friends knew no bounds. Her unexpected death has come as a complete shock. We are so proud of everything she achieved in her life and can’t begin to imagine life without her infectious smile and laughter all around us.”

Rivals , on which Cooper was an executive producer, has become a huge hit for Disney+. Following the launch of Season 1 a year ago, Season 2 has in production ahead

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