Disney+ has unveiled first look character stills for the star-studded and eagerly awaited next instalment of Rivals, based on the best-selling novel by the late and much missed Dame Jilly Cooper. The Emmy and BAFTA award-winning drama has once again been filming at The Bottle Yard Studios’ TBY2 facility and on location in Bristol and the West Country.
The images feature five iconic characters including Lord Tony Baddingham (David Tennant – Doctor Who, The Thursday Murder Club), Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell – The Tragedy of Macbeth, The Boys), Declan O’Hara (Aidan Turner – Poldark, The Hobbit Trilogy), Cameron Cook (Nafessa Williams – Black Lighting, Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody) and Taggie O’Hara (Bella Maclean – Sex Education, London Tide).
Currently filming in the UK, Rivals returns in 2026 with even more wit, desire, and jaw-dropping twists. Power struggles intensify, rivalries deepen and ambition pushes loyalties to the brink.
Set in the stunning Cotswolds countryside and against the backdrop of the glamorous, high-stakes world of 1980s British television, the second instalment reunites the all-star cast who captivated fans and critics, while introducing some exciting new faces. Following last season’s dramatic cliffhanger with Tony’s fate hanging in the balance, Lord Baddingham is back and out for vengeance ready to stop at nothing to keep Corinium’s empire unrivalled.
Careers, marriages, and reputations hang in the balance as personal and professional lives collide in a world where secrets can’t stay hidden for long. Bold, emotionally charged, and filled with unforgettable moments, Rivals is a thrilling ride through a landscape of breathtaking beauty, fierce competition, and life-changing decisions where the cost of success could be everything.
Rivals is made by Happy Prince, part of ITV Studios is executive produced by Dominic Treadwell-Collins (A Very English Scandal, Holding, EastEnders), Alexander Lamb (Ackley Bridge, The Bay, We Hunt Together), Felicity Blunt, Elliot Hegarty (Cheaters, Ted Lasso), Olivier Award-winning playwright Laura Wade (The Riot Club), Rivals author Dame Jilly Cooper and for Disney+ EMEA Scripted Content, Jonny Richards. Eliza Mellor (The Midwich Cuckoos, Behind Her Eyes, Poldark) returns as Series Producer.
It is written by Dominic Treadwell-Collins, Laura Wade, Sophie Goodhart, Sam Hoare, Mimi Hare, Clare Naylor, Sorcha Kurien-Walsh and Dare Aiyegbayo, directed by Elliot Hegarty, Jamie J Johnson and Dee Koppang O’Leary. Rivals is based on the novel of the same name, part of Cooper’s bestselling Rutshire Chronicles. The series was commissioned by Executive Director of Scripted Content for Disney+ EMEA, Lee Mason.
Rivals will return to Hulu in the U.S. and Disney+ in the UK and internationally. All episodes of Rivals season 1 are available to stream now, on Disney+.
(All images courtesy Disney+)