The whispers are true, darlings! The decadent world of 'Rivals' is roaring back to life, and the casting couch has been working overtime. Following the scintillating success of its first season, the Disney+ period drama is assembling a dazzling new ensemble to join the returning David Tennant.
Based on Jilly Cooper's racy novel, the show is diving headfirst into the cutthroat world of independent television in the 1980s. Tennant reprises his role as the dangerously charming executive, Brora, but he won't be the only one causing a stir in the boardroom and the bedroom.
A Who's Who of New Talent
Prepare for a fresh injection of glamour and ambition. The new players stepping into this world of power, lust, and betrayal include:
- Dinita Gohil (Happy Valley) as Paris, a formidable TV executive with a razor-sharp mind.
- Lex Shrapnel (The Diplomat) as Rafiq, a character set to shake things up.
- Kelly Price (Call the Midwife) is on board, though her character remains deliciously under wraps for now.
- Danny Ashok (You) and Riad Richie (The Lazarus Project) round out the exciting new additions, promising plenty of drama.
Lights, Camera, Action! Filming Is Underway
Forget the rumours of delay—the cameras are officially rolling! The production has taken over the stunning English countryside, with the iconic Cranborne Estate in Dorset serving as a key backdrop. This sprawling location is the perfect stand-in for the fictional Corinium Television, where most of the corporate backstabbing unfolds.
Spies on set report that the cast and crew have been spotted in and around the South West, bringing the opulent and scandalous 80s back to life in vivid detail. With production now in full swing, a 2025 release date on Disney+ is looking increasingly likely for those eager to get their next fix.
What to Expect in the New Season
Season two will continue to devour the pages of Jilly Cooper's beloved book, plunging deeper into the tumultuous lives of the media elite. Expect more power struggles, extravagant parties, and illicit affairs set against a soundtrack of synth-pop and the clinking of champagne glasses. It's Dynasty meets Bridgerton with a very British twist.
With this potent mix of returning star power and exciting new blood, 'Rivals' is shaping up to be an unmissable event, promising to be even more addictive and drama-filled than its debut.
