The captivating world of Rutshire is set to return as Rivals gears up for its highly anticipated second season, bringing more drama, intrigue, and 80s glamour to audiences worldwide.
Originally debuting in 2024, Rivals attracted viewers with its compelling storyline and stellar British cast, featuring talents like David Tennant (Doctor Who), Aidan Turner (Poldark), Katherine Parkinson (The IT Crowd), Alex Hassell, Emily Atack, and Danny Dyer. The series, adapted from Dame Jilly Cooper’s iconic 1988 novel, unfolds in the fictitious Cotswolds county of Rutshire, following a fierce rivalry between a Member of Parliament and a television station owner.
The first season was a critical and popular success, earning an International Emmy, a Royal Television Society Award, and multiple nominations at prestigious events including the BAFTA TV Awards and National Television Awards.
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Fans are now eager to learn all about the upcoming season. Here’s what you need to know:
Release Date and Format:
Season two of Rivals will premiere on Disney+ on Friday, 15 May, launching with three episodes. Subsequent episodes will roll out weekly, maintaining suspense and excitement throughout the season. Moreover, Disney+ has greenlit a total of 12 episodes for this season. The first six episodes will begin streaming in May, with the remaining six set to debut later this year, although the exact release date for the latter batch has yet to be announced.
Returning Cast and New Faces:
David Tennant returns as the cunning Lord Tony Baddingham, whose character survived against all odds. Alex Hassell reprises his role as the former Olympian and Tory MP Rupert Campbell-Black. Aidan Turner continues as Declan O’Hara, a former Irish BBC journalist, alongside Victoria Smurfit as Maud O’Hara, Declan’s wife.
Katherine Parkinson returns as Lizzie Vereker, a romantic novelist closely tied to Rupert, while Nafessa Williams joins the cast as Cameron Cook, a sharp television executive. Other longstanding characters reappearing include Bella Maclean, Danny Dyer, Claire Rushbrook, Oliver Chris, Lisa McGrillis, Emily Atack, Rufus Jones, and more.
New additions to the cast feature Hayley Atwell, known for Agent Carter, as Helen Gordon, Rupert’s ex-wife, and Rupert Everett playing Malise Gordon, Helen’s current husband and Rupert’s former mentor. Maxim Ays and Bobby Lockwood also join the ensemble, enriching the story with fresh dynamics.
Plot Overview:
Set against the intoxicating backdrop of 1980s excess, season two intensifies the battle for the Central South West television franchise. The rivalry between Corinium and Venturer heats up dangerously as Tony Baddingham becomes even more ruthless, leveraging scandal and manipulation to crush his enemies.
Personal turmoil ensues as ambition and desire threaten to unravel marriages, ignite secret affairs, and reveal explosive secrets. Loyalties are stretched thin, and hearts break as characters navigate the high stakes of power struggles. As Disney+ teases, this season explores the true cost of ambition and war in a glittering, turbulent era.
Prepare for the return to Rutshire’s drama-fueled landscape on Disney+ starting 15 May, promising thrilling twists and deeper insights into Britain’s most captivating rivalry.