The second season of Disney+'s hit series Rivals is set to return with David Tennant, Danny Dyer, Aidan Turner and Katherine Parkinson reprising their roles, and new additions Hayley Atwell and Rupert Everett. The show's executive producers have described the upcoming season as a '150% tribute' to the late author Jilly Cooper, who died suddenly aged 88 last year.
Cooper's agent, Felicity Blunt, revealed that the production has included numerous Easter eggs for fans, such as a scene in Season 1 where Lizzie loses a manuscript on a train, mirroring Cooper's own experience with her novel Riders. Cooper read every script and gave the team 'complete permission to deviate from the text,' ensuring her voice remains central.
Season 2 will consist of 12 episodes, expanding the story beyond Cooper's books. The plot centres on the escalating battle for the Central South West television franchise, with Tennant's Tony Baddingham becoming more ruthless. Director Elliot Hegarty noted that Baddingham's head injury from the first season has 'dislodged something in his brain,' making him more unpredictable.
New characters Helen (Atwell) and Malise (Everett) will explore the backstory of Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell), while secondary characters receive more substantial storylines. Executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins said the show has 'matured,' focusing on the consequences of actions.
