Rivals actress Claire Rushbrook has opened up about the shocking death of her character Lady Monica Baddingham in the Disney+ drama's mid-season finale. The character, a staple of the show since it began in 2024, was killed off at the end of the episode following a car incident.
Learning about the death
Speaking to Radio Times, Rushbrook recalled the moment she discovered her character would perish in the drama. She remarked: "I thought it was just a lovely champagne lunch. Then they walloped me round the head with it."
Reflecting on her character's departure, the actress admitted she experiences mixed feelings. She continued: "I have big, different feelings: immense pride at incredible scenes to play, and the tangible reaction from the audience. But it's also absolutely gutting. Gutting and glorious."
How Lady Monica died
Her death unfolded after she finally decided to leave her husband, Tony (David Tennant), following his infidelity, deception and manipulation. After confronting Tony and making it clear that she wanted a divorce, Lady Monica decided to drive Declan O'Hara's (Aidan Turner) daughter home during a storm.
On their way, a tree appeared to have collapsed onto their vehicle, resulting in Monica's death. The episode reached a devastating conclusion when Rupert Campbell Black (Alex Hassell) informed Tony that Monica had tragically passed away.
Fan reaction and what's next
Following Monica's death at the close of the episode, viewers were swift to express their devastation online. One person said: "Now whyyyy would they do that to Monica?!" Someone else wrote: "My heart is broken for Monica; she deserved the whole world." Another person commented: "I'm so mad that they killed Monica off. What is this!!!"
One fan shared: "NOT MY POOR MONICA?! NOOO!!! SHE DESERVED TO FIND HAPPINESS." While another offered an alternative theory, commenting: "Until we see a body, I am choosing to believe Monica told Rupert to tell Tony she died and has instead run away to live her best life with Dame Enid (I know she wouldn't leave her children, so she likely is dead, but I'm being delusional; leave me alone)."
The wait for the second half of season two won't be long, with a teaser trailer now released. Brief glimpses reveal the characters gathered at a funeral, presumably Monica's, as a voiceover from Agatha "Taggie" O'Hara (Bella Maclean) confesses: "Everything's falling apart." The second half of Rivals returns to Disney+ on November 11 2026.
