Danny Dyer's Unconventional Diet for Rivals Role Sparks Health Issues
Danny Dyer has disclosed that his preparation for the second season of the hit series Rivals involved an unusual and demanding dietary regimen, which ultimately led to illness during filming. The actor, renowned for his role in EastEnders, is reprising his character Freddie Jones in the 1980s-set drama, with the new season scheduled to premiere on May 15, 2026.
Excessive Sausage Consumption Causes Constipation
In a candid revelation, Dyer explained that to portray the "chubby" businessman Freddie Jones authentically, he was encouraged to gain weight. This involved relying heavily on food deliveries and consuming up to 12 sausages per night. However, this poor diet resulted in severe constipation, significantly impacting his health on set. He shared these details on The Live and Let Dyers podcast, noting that a lack of olive oil in his meals exacerbated the condition.
Dyer described his experience living alone in Bristol during production, stating, "I was living on my jack in Bristol, living off Deliveroos. And I'd buy a pack of sausages—which is a 12 pack. So I found myself making 12 sausages of a night. Not every night as I'd be f-----g dead." This admission highlights the physical toll that method acting can sometimes take on performers.
Teasing More Drama and Steamy Content in Season 2
Despite the health challenges, Dyer has enthusiastically teased that Rivals Season 2 will feature more chaotic and "steamy" content, along with a "beautiful" continuation of his character's journey. The series, which adapts Jilly Cooper's novel, focuses on the escalating conflict between media companies Corinium and Venturer, set against the backdrop of 1980s hedonistic glamour.
Executive producer and author Dame Jilly Cooper expressed her excitement, saying, "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!"
Star-Studded Cast and Release Details
The upcoming season boasts a returning ensemble cast, including David Tennant, Alex Hassell, Aidan Turner, and Katherine Parkinson. New additions include Hayley Atwell as Helen Gordon and Rupert Everett as her husband, Malise. Rivals Season 2 will debut with a three-episode premiere on May 15, followed by weekly releases for the remaining three episodes. A second batch of episodes is planned for later in the year on Disney+ and Hulu.
At the 2025 BAFTA Television Awards, Dyer praised the new series, telling fans, "It's so much better than the first. It's a beautiful job for me [and] I love working with Katherine [Parkinson]." Disney+ has promised audiences "even more wit, desire, and dramatic twists" as power struggles intensify and loyalties are tested to the limit.
