Disney+ has sent shockwaves through its fanbase by releasing the first tantalising glimpse of the second season of its hit period drama, Rivals. The images confirm a monumental twist following the first series' cliffhanger, revealing that David Tennant's character, Lord Tony Baddingham, is alive and well.
The Dramatic Return and New Power Struggles
The new stills showcase the return of the five iconic characters at the heart of Jilly Cooper's salacious saga. Alongside Tennant's ruthless television mogul, we see Alex Hassell as the charismatic Tory MP and ex-Olympian Rupert Campbell-Black, Aidan Turner as journalist Declan O'Hara, Nafessa Williams as American producer Cameron Cook, and Bella Maclean as Taggie O'Hara.
This directly addresses the explosive finale of season one, where Lord Baddingham was left for dead after a violent confrontation with Cameron. The new images, however, show him striding confidently from a helicopter, having made a full recovery and seemingly more determined than ever. Meanwhile, Cameron is pictured with a steely gaze, hinting at new schemes, while the controversial romance between Rupert and Taggie continues to simmer.
The second series, now in production and set for a 2026 release, will expand to twelve episodes. It promises to delve deeper into the cutthroat world of 1980s British television, set against the backdrop of the Cotswolds. Ambition, vengeance, and shifting loyalties will push careers, marriages, and reputations to the brink as Lord Baddingham seeks to protect his Corinium empire at any cost.
Off-Screen Scandals Rock the Production
In a twist that mirrors the show's own racy plotlines, the production of Rivals has reportedly been rocked by its own off-camera scandal. According to reports, the atmosphere behind the scenes made the on-screen drama "look tame".
Insiders claim that the cast and crew, numbering around 100 people, engaged in boozy all-night parties at a local Cotswolds pub, The Hare & Hounds near Tetbury, effectively turning it into a private members' club. More seriously, there were allegations of cocaine use in trailers between scenes, with one star allegedly sent home because they were still visibly affected the next morning. It is not suggested that any of the main lead actors were involved.
The reports also detailed inappropriate behaviour, including an actress whose flirtation with a crew member became so intense he pleaded with her to stop for the sake of his marriage. These revelations paint a picture of a set where the hedonism of the 1980s setting bled into modern-day production.
A Fitting Tribute and Future Release
The series holds a poignant connection to its source material, as author Dame Jilly Cooper visited the set just two days before her sudden death in October 2024 at the age of 88. Star Alex Hassell revealed her visit, cementing the show's legacy as an adaptation of her iconic 'bonkbuster' novel.
Following the major success of the initial eight-episode run, which left audiences begging for more, Disney+ officially greenlit the extended second season. The confirmation that David Tennant will reprise his role as the formidable Lord Baddingham sets the stage for an even more intense and dramatic chapter in the lives of television's most infamous rivals.
