The 1980s-set black comedy series Rivals has announced exciting updates ahead of its second season, including the confirmed return of a fan-favourite character.
David Tennant will reprise his BAFTA TV-nominated role as the ruthless Corinium Television executive Lord Tony Baddingham. Last seen in a dramatic cliffhanger where his character was seemingly left for dead after a violent confrontation with his lover Cameron Cook—played by Nafessa Williams—it has now been revealed that Tony survived and will return to stir more conflicts.
Filming for the new season begins this month, according to reports from the Mirror. Season two will also feature a longer run, expanding from eight episodes in the inaugural season to twelve, promising more intricate storylines and heightened drama.
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Several main cast members will reprise their roles, including Alex Hassell as Tory MP Rupert Campbell-Black, Aidan Turner as rival TV producer Declan O’Hara, Bella Maclean as Taggie O’Hara, along with Katherine Parkinson, Danny Dyer, Victoria Smurfit, Claire Rushbrook, and others. This ensemble continues to bring Dame Jilly Cooper’s beloved characters to life with compelling performances.
Executive producer and author Jilly Cooper expressed her excitement: “I’m utterly sex-static filming for the second season is upon us. It was magical working with Happy Prince and Disney+ on the first season and seeing everyone fall head over heels for my beloved characters. I’m delighted to be able to work with them again and for everyone to see what further mischief they all get up to!”
Dominic Treadwell-Collins and Alexander Lamb, executive producers from Happy Prince, shared, “We are so excited to be returning to Rutshire for an extended stay of 12 episodes for season two of Rivals. It’s very special to have the same team return in front of and behind the cameras and we cannot wait to share more of Jilly’s world with our audience.”
Based on Jilly Cooper’s 1988 novel, Rivals is set in the fictional English county of Rutshire and delves into the power struggles and escapades within the 1980s television industry.
Disney+ promises that season two will deliver “even more wit, desire, and dramatic twists” as rivalries intensify and alliances are put to the test. Viewers can expect personal and professional lives to collide, with marriages, careers, and reputations all hanging by a thread as secrets emerge.
Since its 2024 debut, Rivals has become Disney+ UK’s most successful general entertainment premiere, winning multiple RTS and BAFTA TV Craft Awards. Both Tennant and Parkinson earned BAFTA TV nominations for their outstanding performances.
Fans can stream season one now on Disney+ while eagerly awaiting the continuation of Rivals' gripping drama later this year.