Emily Atack looked elegant as she joined Nafessa Williams in leading the all-star cast of Rivals at a preview screening for series two in London on Thursday. The actress, 36, who plays brash Sarah Stratton in the TV show, wore a chic, satin top which she tucked into a pair of black trousers. She teamed her look with a pair of stiletto heels, with gold toe caps, and styled her hair into an updo.
Emily was joined by her co-star Nafessa, 36, who looked incredible in a white satin corset. She paired it with a pinstripe blazer and matching trousers before rounding her outfit off with a pair of white strappy heels. Rivals will return to Disney+ on May 15 with 12 new episodes which will be released in two parts.
Emily recently reflected on playing 'flawed' women ahead of the raunchy new series of Rivals being released next month. The actress takes on the role of 'promiscuous and naughty' Sarah Stratton in the series which also stars the likes of Danny Dyer, David Tennant and Katherine Parkinson. The Disney+ project, based on Jilly Cooper's novel of the same name, became an instant hit when it debuted in 2024.
In a new interview Emily - whose naked tennis scene was one of the most memorable parts of series one - described Sarah (the second wife of MP Paul Stratton) as 'an absolute f***ing nightmare'. She told The Times: 'People in the past never wanted to admit that they identify with characters like Sarah as she's promiscuous and naughty. Now, characters like her, people are going, "Why am I rooting for them?" I'm all for that. I want to play a flawed woman in a right bl**dy pickle.'
Disney are said to be so confident it will do well that talks of a third series have already begun. The third instalment of the show would be based on Jilly's 1991 novel Polo, the third book in her Rutshire Chronicles. A source told The Sun: 'It's not clear yet if the next series will still be called Rivals or flip to become Polo, or perhaps another title altogether. Either way, Disney are so confident the second series will be as well received as the debut season they already have wheels in motion on the third.'
Fans will be delighted to know that almost all the characters in Rivals also appear in Polo - and the follow-up novel is just as steamy as its predecessor, if not more so. Filming for the third series could begin later this year and would likely air in late 2027 or early 2028. Daily Mail has contacted Disney+ for comment.
Other stars attending the screening included Alex Hassell, Bella Maclean, Lisa McGrillis who looked stylish in an oversized grey suit, Katherine Parkinson who opted for a blazer teamed with a skirt, and Oliver Chris who looked smart in a black suit.
