Hit ’80s-set drama Rivals confirms exciting new cast additions for season 2

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Hayley Atwell and Rupert Everett have officially signed on for season two of Rivals.

After an extraordinary debut, the series – adapted from the popular book by Dame Jilly Cooper – is now in production for a second season consisting of twelve episodes. Actresses Atwell and Everett have joined the expanding cast roster.

As reported by Disney+, Atwell is set to play the character of Helen Gordon, who is the former wife of Rupert Campbell-Black (played by Alex Hassell), and the mother of their two kids, Marcus and Tabitha, in a future movie titled “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” released in 2025.

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Simultaneously, Everett, known for his roles in “My Best Friend’s Wedding” (1997) and “The Happy Prince” (2018), will portray Helen’s newest husband, Malise Gordon. In the past, Malise was Campbell Black’s horse-riding instructor.

Atwell and Everett aren’t the only newcomers in season two, with further cast additions confirmed.

Maxim Ays from Sanditon, Holly Cattle in Young Sherlock, Oliver Dench of Hotel Portofino, Amanda Lawrence in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Bobby Lockwood for Here We Go, Eliot Salt in Slow Horses, and Jonny Weldon in One Day are all set to make an appearance.

Indeed, it’s anticipated that the main cast members from the initial group will all be back for another round. Alex Hassell, David Tennant, Bella Maclean, Aidan Turner, Emily Atack, Danny Dyer, Katherine Parkinson, Nafessa Williams, and Victoria Smurfit are set to reappear in their previous roles.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but get excited about the upcoming season two! Though specifics are still under wraps, Disney+ assures us that we’re in for even more clever banter, passionate moments, and surprising plot twists. Can’t wait to see what they have in store for us!

In a situation where power disputes intensify and enmities grow stronger, it’s ambition that fuels each action, testing the limits of loyalty. This is the tantalizing hint the streamer gave.

Back in December 2024, I sat down with The Hollywood Reporter to discuss our upcoming second season. As the showrunner, I revealed my expectations for this new chapter, highlighting some subtle hints and surprises we’ve been carefully planting for our audience, affectionately referred to as “Easter eggs.

“Of course, I’ve got the ghost of season one on my shoulders,” Treadwell-Collins admitted.

I am contacting you from a perspective of a dedicated and ambitious individual. Managing such a personality can be quite demanding, but it’s all part of the journey. As we move forward to season two, expect even more size, quality, boldness, and strength. We are committed to continuing to captivate our audience with the show.

In the US, as well as in the UK and other international regions, adversaries will make a comeback on Hulu and Disney+ respectively. At present, all episodes from season one of Rivals can be streamed on Disney+.

The latest print issue from Digital Spy, titled “Oasis – Live in ’25”, is available for purchase! Grab a copy at local newsstands or buy it online, currently priced at an affordable £8.99.

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2025-08-20 17:19