The power struggle in the Cotswolds is about to escalate. Disney+ has released the first-look images for the second season of Rivals, confirming the return of a key character and setting the stage for a season focused on revenge. The new pictures provide a glimpse of the continuing drama for the wealthy residents of Rutshire and the cutthroat world of 1980s British television.
Production on the new season is currently underway in the UK, with filming taking place in the picturesque Cotswolds countryside. The season is set to premiere on Hulu in the United States and Disney+ in the UK and other international regions in 2026.
The Major Cliffhanger From Season One
The final moments of Rivals Season 1 left audiences with a shocking image. American television executive Cameron Cook, played by Nafessa Williams, struck her lover and boss, Lord Tony Baddingham (David Tennant), over the head with a television award during a heated argument. Tony was last seen lying motionless on his office floor, his fate completely uncertain and the future of his television empire, Corinium, thrown into doubt.
This act of violence was the explosive climax of a season built on fierce rivalry, primarily between Tony Baddingham and the charismatic, ex-Olympic show jumper turned politician, Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell). Their battle for control and influence provided the central tension, while a web of affairs, secret ambitions, and family dramas unfolded around them.
What the New Season 2 Images Reveal
The newly released images confirm one major piece of news: Tony Baddingham survived the attack. One picture shows David Tennant as Tony, looking stern and determined, walking away from his private helicopter. His posture and expression suggest a man who is not just back in the game, but back with a clear purpose.
Other images hint at the ongoing storylines. Alex Hassell’s Rupert Campbell-Black and Bella Maclean’s Taggie O’Hara are shown sharing a secret, intimate moment in a pantry. This suggests their forbidden romance, a major point of conflict with Taggie’s father, Declan, will continue to be a central plot. Another photo shows Aidan Turner’s Declan O’Hara standing by a camper van, and a separate image features Nafessa Williams’ Cameron Cook in what appears to be a business meeting.
The official synopsis for the new season states that “Lord Baddingham is back and out for vengeance ready to stop at nothing to keep Corinium’s empire unrivalled”. It promises that “power struggles escalate and rivalries deepen” while “careers, marriages, and reputations hang in the balance”.
“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,” reads the official description of the upcoming season.
A Bigger Season With New Faces
Season 2 of Rivals will be larger in scope than the first. The episode order has been increased from eight to twelve episodes. Alongside the returning ensemble, several high-profile new actors are joining the cast.
Hayley Atwell (Mission: Impossible, Agent Carter) will play Helen Gordon, the ex-wife of Rupert Campbell-Black and mother of his two children. Rupert Everett (My Policeman) takes on the role of Malise Gordon, Helen’s new husband and Rupert’s former show-jumping coach and mentor. Their arrival is sure to complicate Rupert’s life significantly.
Additional new cast members include Eliot Salt (Slow Horses), Jonny Weldon (One Day), Maxim Ays (Boarders), and Oliver Dench.
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A Poignant Return After Jilly Cooper’s Death
The production of the second season comes after the death of Dame Jilly Cooper, the beloved author who wrote the original Rivals novel and the entire Rutshire Chronicles series. Cooper served as an executive producer on the television adaptation and was actively involved.
Author Jilly Cooper visited the set just days before her death in October 2024. In a statement released before her passing, she expressed her joy at the series continuing.
“I’m utterly sex-static filming for the second season is upon us. It was magical working with Happy Prince and Disney+ on the first season and seeing everyone fall head over heels for my beloved characters. I’m delighted to be able to work with them again,” Cooper said.
Cast members have spoken about wanting to honor her legacy with the new season. Alex Hassell, who plays Rupert Campbell-Black, noted that Cooper’s creative voice was a “huge driving force” for the show.
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