Rivals series two filming 'thrown into chaos by a screaming pig running around on set'

Filming of the new series of Rivals was reportedly thrown into the chaos by a boisterous piglet.

Producers for the Disney+ show thought it would be amusing to introduce the pig as an 'accessory' in one scene, putting a bow tie around its neck and having one of the actor's carry it in their arms. 

But the piglet is said to have defecated on some of the actor's clothes and screeched so much it ruined some scenes.

Those on set suspected the pig may have been 'triggered' by the unfamiliar surroundings but some of actors - particularly Danny Dyer - were said to have taken pity on the swine.

A source told The Sun: 'There is one scene where it has to get chased around a courtyard, which took several takes. 

'Some were suggested it was exhausted but the director wanted to keep going to get the shots they needed.

'Danny in particular felt sorry for Leftie and tried to calm it down with a little hug – which was brave of him as he was wearing a white shirt and dickie bow at the time.'    

A Happy Prince Spokesperson said: 'The health, safety and welfare of animals on set is of paramount importance. Happy Prince complies with all relevant animal welfare laws and regulations and maintains exemplary production practices'.

'An American Humane representative was on set overseeing animal welfare, for all scenes involving animals'.

It comes after Danny Dyer said there is so much bonking in Rivals 2 – which is currently filming - that they have hired every intimacy coach in the UK.

The actor, who plays Freddie Jones in the show said: 'We are doing 12 episodes of Rivals and we are filming until March next year.

'It is brilliant but it is a mad thing to do a sex scene.

'If you think about it you are legally allowed to tongue someone else. It is part of your job. Depending on your partner. It is OK if you fancy it, I am not going to lie.'

He added: 'On Rivals there are a lot of intimacy coaches. I think we used every intimacy coach in the land.'

In the smash hit Disney + show, based on the novel by Jilly Cooper, Dyer played self-made businessman Freddie Jones who goes into business with Rupert Campbell-Black, played by Alex Hassell and Declan O'Hara played by Aidan Turner.

In the show Jones falls in love with romance author Lizzie Vereker, played by actress Katherine Parkinson. The initial run was eight episodes but Disney + have asked for more this time around.

Dyer's performance as Jones has been hailed as bringing heart to the frothy, pulpy show, which has led to a reassessment of him as an actor, following his long-running stint in EastEnders.

He was awarded a Bafta last month for his performance in Mr Bigstuff. He told Esquire magazine: 'People saw me in a different light[in Rivals], and it came out just after Mr. Bigstuff, which, for once, shows a bit of versatility, because Lee is so different to Freddie.

'I've made a lot mistakes over the years. I've said yes to a lot of jobs I probably shouldn't have, probably because I was driven by the dollar – I had bills to pay and kids in private schools. Now, I'm at a stage where I have loads of offers that I've got the power to say no to. I think I'll be defined by what I say no to, and it's really exciting for me.'

On stage at the Baftas where he won the award to Best Male Performance in a Comedy he said: 'What a touch! Comedy performance. I thought my acting was so bad it was funny. I want to thank Sky for giving our show a shot. F***ing hell, I'm choked up.

'I got to dedicate this to (Mr Bigstuff writer) Ryan Sampson. One of the greatest things to come out of Rotherham. Which is not saying much.

'But one of the best actors this country's ever produced, I'm telling you. Never done the same thing twice. Which is not something I can say. He wrote this part for me, so you know... I'm getting choked up again, f**k me.'