Ballykissangel star looks unrecognisable in new role over 20 years after BBC show

Victoria Smurfit is a million miles away from the role of Orla O'Connell in Ballykissangel in scenes from Disney Plus' The Rivals.

The eagerly awaited series, based on Jilly Cooper's 1988 novel of the same name finally dropped a trailer and the short clip shows that Victoria's character is a million miles away from her usual ice cool blonde roles.

The Irish star appeared in the BBC drama playing barmaid Orla from 1998 until 1999. Amongst her other roles she went on to portray the lead role of Detective Chief Inspector Roisin Connor in the ITV police procedural Trial & Retribution from 2003 to 2009.

Her latest part sees her play bohemian former actress Maud O'Hara, who is the wife of Aidan Turner's TV presenter character Declan in the saucy drama. It is clear from the 42 second trailer she is something of a minx.

She can be seen wearing a very 80s style emerald green gown with a daring thigh high split and has eschewed her blonde locks in favour of Jessica Rabbit style sultry red waves. In the clip she is seen commanding attention at what appears to be a Christmas party.

Victoria Smurfit as Maud O'Hara sitting high up in front of a crowd looking sultyr

Her husband looks on appreciatively while former EastEnders' star Danny Dyer, as Freddie Jones a self-made electronics millionaire, cheers her in what appears to be a burlesque inspired scene. Later in the clip she shows off her flexibility as she raises her leg high in the air to show a red ribbon hanging from her stiletto.

No exact release date has been confirmed, but the trailer implies it will be compelling viewing.

The official synopsis reads: "The story is set against the backdrop of the drama, excess, and shocking antics of the power-grabbing social elite of 1980s England.

"In the fictional county of Rutshire, a long-standing rivalry between two powerful men is about to boil over.

"Alex Hassell plays dashing ex-Olympian, Tory Member of Parliament and incorrigible rake, the dangerously charismatic Rupert Campbell-Black.

Victoria Smurfit as Maud O'Hara in Rivals kicking her leg up high with a ribbon dangling from her stiletto

Ballykissangel cast including Colin Farrell and Victoria Smurfit posing together outdoors

"David Tennant plays Rupert's single-mindedly ambitious and egotistical Rutshire neighbour Lord Tony Baddingham, controller of Corinium Television.

"A long-simmering power struggle between them threatens to boil over when the two men lock horns over the future of Corinium."

The eight part drama features a star studded ensemble cast which includes the aforementioned former Doctor Who David Tennant, Katherine Parkinson and Secrets & Lies star Claire Rushbrook.

Other actors featured in supporting roles are Caitriona Chandler and The Inbetweeners' Emily Atack.