Rivals Season Two: Bigger, Bolder, Bonkier on Disney+

The second season of Rivals, the adaptation of Jilly Cooper's bonkbuster, is set to premiere on Disney+ on Friday, 15 May. Filming took place at Chavenage House near Tetbury in Gloucestershire, with a bonfire scene shot on a freezing November evening. The first season won the International Emmy Award for best drama. Returning cast includes David Tennant as Lord Tony Baddingham, who promises his character does 'terrible things' in the new season. Danny Dyer, playing Freddie Jones, notes his grandchildren only know him with a moustache, which he has worn for seven months of shooting. Aidan Turner reprises his role as Declan O'Hara, having previously filmed Poldark at the same location. The season expands to 12 episodes from eight, with more set pieces. Bella Maclean, who plays Taggie, describes the season as 'more Rival-y.' Alex Hassell, playing Rupert Campbell-Black, observes that Gen Z fans have created many TikTok videos about his character's relationship with Taggie. The late author Jilly Cooper, who died after a fall, had approved all scripts before her death. The series is based on Cooper's Rutshire Chronicles, which includes 11 books, suggesting potential for further seasons.