Rivals season 2 is nearly here, and Disney+ fans are eager to discover what lies in store for Taggie O'Hara (Bella Maclean) and Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell). The first season concluded with the duo finally admitting their emotions and sharing a passionate kiss, but the newest trailer hints at stormy waters ahead. Taggie is heard declaring 'you're not capable of love', while a fleeting scene shows her gazing at another character with a subtle smile.
Sharp-eyed fans spotted the moment where Taggie looks up at a man eating cake with his fingers, locking eyes with her. The character in question is Basil 'Bas' Baddingham, played by Luke Pasqualino, who is Tony Baddingham's (David Tennant) illegitimate half-brother. At an exclusive Q&A screening attended by The Mirror, Pasqualino dropped hints about his character's trajectory.
When asked if something 'could be brewing' between Bas and Taggie, Pasqualino remained coy but said: 'Who wouldn't look at Taggie the way Bas looks at her? She's incredibly sweet, she's beautiful, she's got herself together, if not a little bit brooding over Mr Campbell-Black. I think Bas being the sort of Lothario that he thinks himself to be, why not gaze over Taggie?' He added: 'I think that relationship would be something that's definitely interesting to explore.'
Season 2 returns to the Cotswolds backdrop of Rutshire, where the battle for the Central South West television franchise intensifies. The war between Corinium and Venturer enters a dangerous new phase, with Tony Baddingham more ruthless than ever. Marriages fracture, illicit affairs threaten families, and long-buried secrets ignite with explosive consequences.
The first three episodes of Rivals season 2 will air this Friday, May 15, on Disney+.
