One of the biggest Disney+ Original series to come out of the United Kingdom has been “Rivals”, which is part of Dame Jilly Cooper’s bestselling Rutshire Chronicles, and is packed full of wit, romantic entanglements, sex and unforgettable characters. 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 ruthless world of independent television. 

Today, Disney has announced that filming is set to commence later this month on the highly anticipated, award-winning second season of “Rivals”.  It’s also been confirmed that the second season has been extended and will now consist of twelve episodes – giving fans even more wit, desire, and dramatic twists. As power struggles escalate and rivalries deepen, ambition drives every move, pushing loyalties to the edge.

The second instalment will see the return of the all-star cast that won the hearts of fans and critics alike as well as introducing brand new faces.  Careers, marriages, and reputations hang in the balance as personal and professional lives collide in a world where secrets can’t stay hidden for long. Bold, emotionally charged, and filled with unforgettable moments, “Rivals” is a thrilling ride through a landscape of breathtaking beauty, fierce competition, and life-changing decisions—where the cost of success could be everything. 

The first season has become the streamer’s most successful general entertainment premiere on Disney+ in the UK to date*. The series has also recently garnered a number of award wins, including; winner of the RTS Television Award for writing for Dominic Treadwell-Collins and Laura Wade, RTS Television Award for supporting actor for Danny Dyer as Freddie Jones, British Press Guild Award for best actor for Danny Dyer, BAFTA TV Craft Awards for Production Design and Make Up and Hair Design and BAFTA TV Award Nominations for David Tennant as Best Actor and Katherine Parkinson as Best Supporting Actress. 

Reprising their iconic roles are David Tennant (‘Doctor Who’, ‘The Thursday Murder Club’) as Lord Tony Baddingham, Alex Hassell (‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’, ‘The Boys’) as Rupert Campbell-Black, Aidan Turner (‘Poldark’, ‘The Suspect’) as Declan O’Hara, Nafessa Williams as Cameron Cook (‘Black Lighting’, ‘Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody’), Bella Maclean (‘Sex Education’, ‘London Tide’) as Taggie O’Hara, Katherine Parkinson (‘Humans’, ‘Here We Go’) as Lizzie Vereker, Danny Dyer (‘EastEnders, ‘The Football Factory’) as Freddie Jones, Victoria Smurfit (‘Bloodlands’, ‘Once Upon A Time’) as Maud O’Hara, Claire Rushbrook (‘Sherwood’, ‘Ali and Ava’) as Lady Monica Baddingham, Oliver Chris (‘The Crown’, ‘Trying’) as James Vereker, Lisa McGrillis (‘Maternal’, ‘Mum’) as Valerie Jones, Emily Atack (‘The Emily Atack Show’, ‘The Inbetweeners’) as Sarah Stratton, Rufus Jones (‘W1A’, ‘Home’) as Paul Stratton, Luca Pasqualino (‘The Musketeers’, ‘Shantaram’) as Basil ‘Bas’ Baddingham, Catriona Chandler as Caitlin O’Hara (‘Pistol’, ‘Enola Holmes 2’) and Annabel Scholey (‘The Split’).

Executive Producer and Rivals author, Dame Jilly Cooper said in a statement regarding the series: 

“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!”

Executive Producers for Happy Prince, Dominic Treadwell-Collins and Alexander Lamb, added: 

“We are so excited to be returning to Rutshire for an extended stay of twelve 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”.

Executive Director of Scripted Content for Disney+ EMEA, Lee Mason added: 

“It’s a real privilege to have this phenomenal team back together for season two of Rivals. From the exceptional cast, the remarkable creative team behind the camera – including the one and only Dame Jilly Cooper. Disney+ audiences are in for an absolute treat.. Rutshire here we come…”

“Rivals” is executive produced by Dominic Treadwell-Collins (‘A Very English Scandal’, ‘Holding’, ‘EastEnders’), Alexander Lamb (‘Ackley Bridge’, ‘The Bay’, ‘We Hunt Together’), Felicity Blunt, Elliot Hegarty (‘Cheaters’, ‘Ted Lasso’), Olivier Award-winning playwright Laura Wade (‘The Riot Club’), “Rivals” author Dame Jilly Cooper and for Disney+ EMEA Scripted Content, Jonny Richards. Eliza Mellor (‘The Midwich Cuckoos’, ‘Behind Her Eyes’, ‘Poldark’) serves as Series Producer. It is written by Dominic Treadwell-Collins, Laura Wade, Sophie Goodhart, Sam Hoare, Kefi Chadwick, Mimi Hare, Clare Naylor, Sorcha Kurien-Walsh and Dare Aiyegbayo, directed by Elliot Hegarty, Jamie J Johnson and Dee Koppang O’Leary.  “Rivals” is based on the novel of the same name, part of Cooper’s bestselling Rutshire Chronicles. The series was commissioned by the Executive Director of Scripted Content for Disney+ EMEA, Lee Mason.

The first season of “Rivals” is available to stream now on Hulu and Hulu On Disney+ in the United States and on Disney+ in the UK and around the world.

Roger’s Take: “Rivals” was one of my favourite shows from last year, and I’m really glad we are going to get a second season, especially with the new season getting 50% more episodes, which is rare for new shows.  This show was very heavily promoted in the UK and certainly was a show that caught people’s attention, highlighting that Disney+ isn’t just for kids!

Are you looking forward to the return of “Rivals”?  Let me know on social media!

Roger Palmer

Roger has been a Disney fan since he was a kid and this interest has grown over the years. He has visited Disney Parks around the globe and has a vast collection of Disney movies and collectibles. He is the owner of What's On Disney Plus & DisKingdom. Email: Roger@WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com Twitter: Twitter.com/RogPalmerUK Facebook: Facebook.com/rogpalmeruk

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