Rivals season two is set to bring fresh faces and heightened tensions to Rutshire, immersing viewers in the glamorous yet cutthroat world of 1980s local television.
Launching tomorrow, Friday, May 15, on Disney+, the second season of the acclaimed British comedy series will drop its first three episodes, immersing audiences in the era’s iconic bouffant hairstyles and bold patterns.
The official synopsis teases a fierce battle for the Central South West television franchise, where the rivalry between Corinium and Venturer reaches a critical, dangerous new phase. Tony Baddingham, more ruthless than ever, uses scandal and manipulation to maintain his grip on power.
READ MORE: Somerset’s Special Needs Children Hit by Severe Delays in EHCP Assessments
READ MORE: 361 ‘Smart-Looking’ Homes Approved for Construction Near M5 in Bridgwater
As 80s excess fuels chaos, personal lives unravel: marriages fracture under ambition’s pressure, illicit affairs threaten families, and deeply buried secrets explode with devastating effects. Loyalties will be tested and hearts broken as the bitter battle for dominance intensifies. The question remains – what is the true cost of this war?
Season two introduces some exciting new cast members. English-American actress Hayley Atwell, famed for her role as Peggy Carter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the Netflix hit Heartstopper, joins as the ex-wife of Rupert Campbell-Black (played by Alex Hassell) and mother to their children.
Hollywood veteran Rupert Everett, known for classics like My Best Friend’s Wedding and notable roles in An Ideal Husband and The Serpent Queen, appears as Malise Gordon, Helen’s new husband and Campbell-Black’s former show-jumping coach.
Rising talent Maxim Ays, with appearances in The Larkins, Sanditon, Doctor Who, and Grantchester, takes on the role of Sebbie Carlisle. Bobby Lockwood, known from Wolfblood, Casualty, and Grantchester, joins as Dommie Carlisle.
The returning ensemble is equally star-studded: David Tennant (Good Omens) stars as the cunning Lord Tony Baddingham; Alex Hassell (His Dark Materials) as ex-Olympian turned Tory MP Rupert Campbell-Black; and Aidan Turner (Poldark) as former BBC journalist Declan O’Hara.
Victoria Smurfit (Bloodlands) returns as Maud O’Hara, Declan’s actress wife, alongside Nafessa Williams (Black Lightning) as TV executive Cameron Cook, and Katherine Parkinson (The IT Crowd) as Rutshire’s romance author Lizzie Vereker.
Other returning cast include Bella Maclean (Sex Education), Danny Dyer (EastEnders), Claire Rushbrook (Sherwood), Oliver Chris (The Crown), Lisa McGrillis (Maternal), Emily Atack (The Inbetweeners), Rufus Jones (W1A), Luca Pasqualino (The Musketeers), and many more, ensuring the rich tapestry of relationships and rivalries continues to captivate.
Rivals season two premieres on Disney+ tomorrow and will continue with weekly Friday episodes, promising more drama, intrigue, and 80s flair.