Rivals’ Emily Atack – returning as Sarah Stratton – re-introduces “the naughtiest show on television” in the brand-new first-look teaser trailer for season two, which also finally confirms the release date.
David Tennant’s Tony Baddingham (fresh from that cliffhanger) is back in action, declaring “sorry I’m late, darling” to someone as he jumps out of a helicopter, while Alex Hassell’s Rupert Campbell-Black, Aidan Turner’s Declan O’Hara and Nafessa Williams’ Cameron Cook also feature in the new clips.
Luke Pasqualino’s Basil ‘Bas’ Baddingham also makes a splash, teasing something with Bella Maclean’s Taggie O’Hara– whose on/off romance with Lothario Campbell-Black was pretty central to the first season – and, of course, Danny Dyer’s Freddie Jones and Katherine Parkinson’s Lizzie Vereker once again have simmering tension.
We also get a glimpse at newcomer Hayley Atwell, who joins Rivals as one of the guest stars in the role of Rupert Campbell-Black’s ex-wife. Rupert Everett will play her husband, and Campbell Black’s former show-jumping coach and mentor.
Other additions to the cast include Maxim Ays (Boarders), Holly Cattle (Mr Loverman), Eliot Salt (Slow Horses), and Jonny Weldon (One Day).
Disney+
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The end card of the new Rivals teaser confirms a release date of 15 May – only this time, there’ll be a split release, in two six-episode batches. Rivals season two will have a three-episode premiere, and the second batch (of six episodes) will follow later in the year on Disney+ in the UK.
The award-winning show is based on the best-selling novel by the late Dame Jilly Cooper, and Disney has promised “even more drama, wit and desire” for the returning season.
“The battle for the Central South West television franchise reaches a fever pitch as the war between Corinium and Venturer enters a dangerous new phase. More ruthless than ever, Tony Baddingham is determined to dismantle his rivals piece-by-piece, weaponising scandal and manipulating those closest to him to maintain his grip on power,” reads the synopsis for the highly-anticipated second season of Rivals.
Disney+
“Amidst the hedonistic glamour of 80s excess, the personal lives of our Rutshire heroes spiral into chaos,” it continues. “Marriages fracture under the weight of ambition, illicit affairs threaten to shatter families, and long-buried secrets ignite with explosive consequences. As rivalries push everyone to the brink, loyalties are tested and hearts are broken in the pursuit of victory. But what is the true cost of war?”
With its stellar cast, soapy storylines and vibrant ’80s aesthetic, the debut season of Rivals was a huge hit, and went on to win awards at both the Emmys and the BAFTAs.
We’ve been desperately waiting for more. Not much longer to wait…
Rivals season 2 will premiere on Disney+ in the UK on 15 May with its first three episodes, with the second part coming later in the year.
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TV Editor, Digital Spy Laura has been watching television for over 30 years and professionally writing about entertainment for almost 10 of those. Previously at LOOK and now heading up the TV desk at the UK’s biggest TV and movies site Digital Spy, Laura has helped steer conversations around some of the most popular shows on the box. Laura has appeared on Channel 5 News and radio to talk viewing habits and TV recommendations. As well as putting her nerd-level Buffy knowledge to good use during an IRL meet with Sarah Michelle Gellar, Laura also once had afternoon tea with One Direction, has sat around the fire pit of the Love Island villa, spoken to Sir David Attenborough about the world’s oceans and even interviewed Rylan from inside the Big Brother house (housemate status, forever pending).