Audible is adapting A Pressing Engagement, a short story by Rivals author Jilly Cooper, into an audio drama with an ensemble voice cast. The lineup includes Rhea Norwood (Heartstopper), Corey Mylchreest (Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story), Hannah Waddingham (Ted Lasso), Richard Ayoade (The IT Crowd), Vivian Oparah (Rye Lane) and Bessie Carter (Bridgerton).
Set in London in 1978, the story follows Hester, a secretary trapped in the tedium of office work while her older boyfriend, Julian, refuses to commit. When she is offered the chance to assist an exciting film producer, she spots an opening to change her life. The problem is that leaving would break her boss’s heart, so she comes up with a scheme to fake an engagement. The complication is that her supposed fiancé, childhood friend Nico, knows nothing about the plan.
The drama is due for release on Audible on 16 July 2026.
The short story first appeared in Cooper’s 1981 collection Lisa & Co. Production began before the author’s death in October 2025, and she was involved in the early stages of development herself.
Dare Aiyegbayo, who wrote for both seasons of the Disney+ hit Rivals, another Cooper adaptation, has adapted the story for audio, with Sarah Esdaile directing. The production is a collaboration with the Estate of Jilly Cooper, her agent Felicity Blunt, and Happy Prince, the company behind Rivals.
Aurelie de Troyer, Head of Audible Content, International, said Cooper’s stories are cherished for their wit, warmth and romantic tangles, and that A Pressing Engagement captures all of it. She described the adaptation as funny, flirty and full of heart in classic Cooper style, an ideal escapist listen for summer, and said the team felt fortunate to have worked with Cooper directly early in the process and to contribute in some small way to her lasting legacy.
Felicity Blunt, Cooper’s agent, called it bittersweet to see the adaptation launch after the author’s death, but said Cooper would have been delighted to know more of her characters had been brought to life. She praised the production for delivering Cooper’s trademark mischief, joy, humour and longing, describing her as a romance writer for the ages.