Addictive and star-studded ’80s-set drama Rivals confirms season 2 split-release with first look

Emily Atack, who plays Sarah Stratton in ‘Rivals’, is back to kick off the second season, teasing viewers with a first look and revealing when the show will premiere. She calls it “the naughtiest show on television.”

David Tennant returns as Tony Baddingham – picking up right after that dramatic cliffhanger! – in new footage where he makes a grand entrance by leaping from a helicopter with a playful “sorry I’m late, darling.” Alex Hassell as Rupert Campbell-Black, Aidan Turner as Declan O’Hara, and Nafessa Williams as Cameron Cook also appear in the clips.

Luke Pasqualino as Basil ‘Bas’ Baddingham adds some intrigue, hinting at a possible connection with Taggie O’Hara (Bella Maclean), who had a complicated relationship with Lothario Campbell-Black in the first season. Meanwhile, the chemistry between Danny Dyer’s Freddie Jones and Katherine Parkinson’s Lizzie Vereker remains strong.

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The series also introduces Hayley Atwell as a guest star, playing the ex-wife of Rupert Campbell-Black. Rupert Everett will portray her husband, who was previously Campbell-Black’s show-jumping coach and mentor.

The cast also includes Maxim Ays, known for his role in Boarders, Holly Cattle from Mr Loverman, Eliot Salt who starred in Slow Horses, and Jonny Weldon of One Day.

The new teaser for Rivals officially announces a release date of May 15th. However, the show will premiere in two parts: the first three episodes will be available on that date, and the next three episodes will be released later in the year on Disney+ in the UK.

The popular, award-winning series is adapted from the hit novel by the late Jilly Cooper, and Disney+ has teased a new season filled with even more excitement, humor, and romance.

The competition for the Central South West TV license is becoming incredibly intense, as the fight between Corinium and Venturer escalates. According to a preview of the second season of Rivals, Tony Baddingham is now even more determined to defeat his opponents, using damaging rumors and manipulating people around him to stay in control.

Set against the backdrop of the extravagant 1980s, the private lives of those competing in Rutshire fall apart. Marriages crumble due to intense ambition, secret relationships endanger families, and old secrets cause dramatic problems. As competition intensifies, friendships and love are strained, and everyone suffers. But at what price does success come?

The first season of Rivals was incredibly popular, thanks to its talented actors, dramatic plots, and bright, energetic ’80s style. It was a critical success, earning awards from both the Emmys and the BAFTAs.

We’ve been desperately waiting for more. Not much longer to wait…

The second season of Rivals will launch on Disney+ in the UK on May 15th, starting with the first three episodes. The remaining episodes will be released later in the year.

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2026-02-05 19:19