The stars of the hit Disney+ drama Rivals are reportedly in line for a massive financial windfall, with each main cast member set to earn a staggering £1.5 million for the upcoming second series. This bumper pay day follows the success of the show's debut season, which captivated audiences and has led to significant salary increases for the ensemble.
Lucrative Rewards for Ensemble Cast
According to sources, the lucrative salaries reflect Disney's recognition of the star power and collective appeal of the cast. Emily Atack, who plays Sarah Stratton, is among those commanding the hefty fee, alongside Danny Dyer as Freddie Jones, David Tennant portraying Tony Baddingham, Aidan Turner as Declan O’Hara, Katherine Parkinson in the role of Lizzie Vereker, and Alex Hassell playing Rupert Campbell-Black.
A source revealed to The Sun that despite the central rivalry between characters like Tony Baddingham and Rupert Campbell-Black, the show's success is largely attributed to its ensemble cast. This means even supporting actors such as Emily, Katherine, and Danny are able to secure these substantial fees due to their contributions to the series' popularity.
Series Two Details and Trailer Insights
The second series of Rivals, based on the late Jilly Cooper's novel, is scheduled to return to Disney+ in May. A recently released trailer has offered fans a first look at the hotly-anticipated new episodes, confirming the return of key characters and hinting at dramatic developments.
The trailer showcases:
- David Tennant's Lord Tony Baddingham, the ruthless managing director of television company Corinium, who survives a previous attack and returns with a vengeance.
- Emily Atack's rising TV star Sarah Stratton, continuing her journey in the cutthroat world of 1980s television.
- Alex Hassell's Rupert Campbell-Black, a retired Olympic show-jumper turned Tory MP and long-standing enemy of Baddingham.
- Aidan Turner's ex-BBC journalist Declan O’Hara, now recruited to Corinium.
- Nafessa Williams as American TV-producer Cameron Cook.
- Bella Maclean completing the main line-up as Taggie O’Hara.
Plot Teasers and Release Date
The synopsis for the new series teases escalating conflicts as the battle for the Central South West television franchise reaches a fever pitch. Tony Baddingham is depicted as more ruthless than ever, determined to dismantle his rivals by weaponising scandal and manipulating those close to him. Amidst the hedonistic glamour of 1980s excess, personal lives spiral into chaos with fractured marriages, illicit affairs, and explosive secrets.
Disney+ has dubbed the show 'the naughtiest show on television' and confirmed a release date of May 15 for the second series. Daily Mail has reached out to Disney+ and the cast's representatives for comment on the reported salaries, but no official statements have been released at this time.
