The highly anticipated second season of Rivals is set to unleash a whirlwind of drama, humour, and scandal, promising audiences a feast of entertainment that builds on the success of its Emmy-winning predecessor. As the cast huddles in the Cotswolds, where they are braving the cold to film explosive scenes, the show’s stars are eager to reveal just how much more ambitious this new chapter will be.
A Star-Studded Reunion in the Cotswolds
On a bitterly cold November night, the cast and crew of Rivals are hard at work at Chavenage House, an Elizabethan manor that doubles as the residence of Aidan Turner’s character, Declan O’Hara. The atmosphere is electric, with smoke rising from bonfires and fireworks illuminating the night sky. Turner, who once graced this location as Poldark, reflects on the show’s impressive trajectory. “I didn’t think anyone would recognise the place I used to film in, but it’s been transformed,” he chuckles. The nostalgia, however, is not without its quirks; he cheekily requested the removal of a “Poldark shrine” from the women’s toilets, while a humorous sign in the men’s remains.
The historical backdrop serves as a fitting stage for the unfolding drama, with the stakes raised remarkably in this new season. As the cameras roll, the excitement is palpable, and the question on everyone’s lips is whether the series can surpass its already high bar.
A New Level of Intrigue and Mischief
David Tennant, embodying the morally ambiguous Lord Tony Baddingham, offers a glimpse into the darker side of the narrative. “I thought I was badly behaved in the first series, but I take it up a notch this time,” he reveals with a conspiratorial glint in his eye. His character’s escapades promise to delve deeper into the moral grey areas that have captivated audiences thus far. Tennant’s enthusiasm for the role shines through as he describes an upcoming scene involving some dubious antics in the bushes—an indication that Rivals will not shy away from its cheeky roots.
Meanwhile, Danny Dyer, who plays the affable Freddie Jones, finds himself unexpectedly crowned a sex symbol in the series. “It’s all a bit surreal,” he laughs, acknowledging the absurdity of his character’s appeal despite his rather unglamorous costume choices. “At the end of the day, he’s a working-class guy trying to do right by others. I think that’s what people find attractive.” Yet Dyer admits to missing his “top lip,” which has been hidden behind a moustache for the duration of filming, a light-hearted lament that reflects the camaraderie on set.
Expanding Horizons: More Episodes, More Drama
This season promises to be an exhilarating 12 episodes long, up from eight, a move that signals the producers’ confidence in Rivals’ formula. Victoria Smurfit, who portrays the fierce Maud O’Hara, confirms the heightened ambition: “This season is bigger, bolder… and bonkier!” The sentiment is echoed by Bella Maclean, who plays Taggie, a character entwined in a love story that has captured the imagination of younger viewers. “It feels like we’re diving deeper into the world of Rivals—more heartfelt, more luxurious,” she comments, capturing the essence of the show’s evolution.
This season’s themes resonate particularly well with Gen Z audiences, as the relationship between Taggie and Rupert Campbell-Black, played by Alex Hassell, has sparked a flurry of TikTok videos. Hassell acknowledges the intrigue surrounding their dynamic and reflects on the discussions that arose regarding the handling of outdated attitudes in the narrative. “It’s fascinating to see how young viewers are interpreting these characters and their journeys,” he notes, highlighting the show’s relevance in today’s cultural landscape.
A Tribute to Jilly Cooper
As the cast immerses themselves in the demanding filming schedule, the absence of the late Jilly Cooper, the author of the original book series, casts a poignant shadow. Lisa McGrillis, who takes on the role of Valerie, fondly recalls a recent garden party where Cooper was still brimming with enthusiasm for the project. “She had such a zest for life and mischief,” McGrillis reminisces, underscoring the lasting impact Cooper had on the show and its cast.
With the winter chill intensifying, the cast prepares for another round of filming, and the excitement is palpable. Dyer, looking ahead, muses about the potential for a third series. “As we move toward the early 90s, maybe I’ll finally get rid of this moustache,” he quips, revealing a glimpse of the light-hearted banter that characterises the set.
Rivals is set to premiere on Disney+ on Friday, 15 May, promising to whisk audiences back into its captivating world of intrigue and romance.
Why it Matters
Rivals continues to capture the zeitgeist, offering a blend of nostalgia and modern sensibilities that resonates with a diverse audience. As it navigates complex themes and relationships against a backdrop of social change, the series not only entertains but also invites critical discussions around morality and representation. With its ambitious expansion and the legacy of Jilly Cooper at its core, Rivals stands poised to make a significant impact in the landscape of contemporary television drama.
