Disney+ has confirmed filming will commence this month on the highly anticipated, award-winning second season of Rivals, based on the best-selling novel by Dame Jilly Cooper. The drama returns with an extended season of twelve episodes – and even more wit, desire, and dramatic twists. As power struggles escalate and rivalries deepen, ambition drives every move, pushing loyalties to the edge. The series is produced by Happy Prince (part of ITV Studios).
Set against the backdrop of the stunning Cotswolds countryside and the glamorous, high-stakes world of 1980s British television, 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.
‘Rivals’ Season 2 Cast Confirms Returning Faces
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).
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.
Producers and Dame Jilly Cooper Celebrate Season Two of ‘Rivals’
Executive Producer and Rivals author, Dame Jilly Cooper commented: “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 commented: “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…”
When Will ‘Rivals’ Season 2 Release?
Season 1 of Rivals began production in March 2023 and was released in October 2024. While production on Season 2 is starting slightly later and we have no confirmed release date yet, it’s likely that Disney+ and Hulu will aim for a similar release window. Based on this timeline, fans can reasonably expect Rivals Season 2 to premiere in October 2026, aligning with a Fall release strategy that mirrors the success of the first season.
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 Executive Director of Scripted Content for Disney+ EMEA, Lee Mason.
Rivals will return to Hulu in the U.S. and Disney+ in the UK and internationally. All episodes of Rivals Season 1 are available to stream now, on Disney+.
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