It's time to return to Rutshire!
Following the huge success of its first season, it's not really surprising that today Disney+ has confirmed what Rivals fans have been hoping for since October, and that's that the bonkbuster WILL be returning for a second season.
Set against the backdrop of the drama, excess, and shocking antics of the power-grabbing social elite of 1980s England, Rivals delves headfirst into the ruthless world of independent television in 1986.
Speaking about Rivals returning, Executive Producer and author Dame Jilly Cooper said "Nearly 40 years after my novel Rivals was published, I’ve adored seeing the world fall in love with my beloved characters - Rutshire’s Finest. It has been a fairytale come true working with Happy Prince and Disney Plus on the first season. I’m orgasmic with excitement and cannot wait for the return of my superhero Rupert Campbell-Black and the rest of the characters in season two!"
The first season starred Alex Hassell as the dashing ex-Olympian, Member of Parliament, incorrigible rake, and dangerously charismatic Rupert Campbell-Black and David Tennant as Lord Tony Baddingham, controller of Corinium Television and Rupert’s single-mindedly ambitious and egotistical adversary.
They starred alongside Aidan Turner as journalist and TV presenter Declan O’Hara, who became caught in the crossfire of the long-simmering feud between Rupert and Tony and Nafessa Williams as Cameron Cook, a ferociously talented American TV executive who was brought to England by Tony to produce Declan’s new prime-time talk show.
Other stars included Katherine Parkinson as Lizzie Vereker, a romantic novelist suffering from a distinct lack of romance in her life and Bella Maclean as Taggie O’Hara, Declan’s tender-hearted yet strong-willed eldest daughter and unexpected temptation for Rupert. As well as Emily Atack, Catriona Chandler, Oliver Chris, Danny Dyer, Rufus Jones, Lisa McGrillis, Luke Pasqualino, Claire Rushbrook, and Victoria Smurfit.
Also speaking about Rivals returning, Lee Mason, Executive Director of Scripted Originals, EMEA Disney Plus, adis "It’s been phenomenal seeing the reaction to Dame Jilly Cooper’s Rivals - this autumn’s most talked about series."
"We’re thrilled that existing fans of the novels, alongside those new to the Cooperverse, have taken the series to their hearts. I can’t wait to get back to Rutshire and see what exciting drama the Happy Prince team have in store for season two – bring on more romance, betrayal, and shoulder pads!"
To which Dominic Treadwell-Collins, Chief Creative Officer of Happy Prince and Alexander Lamb, Creative Director of Happy Prince, who produce the series, added "It's been magical to receive the love back from viewers that we put into Rivals. The Rivals team set out to create people's favourite television show, something enduring that our audience would take to their hearts and watch and rewatch. We're delighted that we're returning to Rutshire with Jilly and Disney Plus. It's a special place to be."
Disney+ have yet to confirm which characters and actors will be returning for season but after THAT ending, all eyes all will be on the opening episode to find out.
Rivals will return to Disney+
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