Disney+ Rivals season 2 adds two huge movie stars to cast in key roles
Rivals' second series has welcomed several fresh faces to the already impressive cast, including two huge film stars.
The hit drama following dashing MP Rupert Campbell-Black (portrayed by Alex Hassell) and his bitter rivalry with television studio boss Tony, Lord Baddingham (David Tennant) emerged as one of Disney+'s most successful shows last year.
The streaming platform has now revealed that film stars Hayley Atwell (Mission: Impossible) and Rupert Everett (Napoleon) will make guest appearances in the upcoming series.
They'll be joining new series two cast members Maxim Ays, Holly Cattle, Oliver Dench, Amanda Lawrence, Bobby Lockwood, Eliot Salt, and Jonny Weldon.
Series two is presently filming with an anticipated launch date of late 2025 or early 2026, reports the Mirror.
Atwell will share a fascinating relationship with Rupert as she's playing Helen Gordon, his former wife and mother to their two children, Marcus and Tabitha.
Meanwhile, Everett will play Helen's current husband Malise Gordon, who also happens to be Rupert's former show-jumping coach.
They are presently billed as guest stars so it remains unclear how many episodes of the new series they'll feature in.
Executive Director of Scripted Originals for EMEA Disney+ Lee Mason said: "Rivals is a landmark series for Disney+, quickly becoming one of our most beloved British UK Orginal dramas.
"I'm delighted to welcome Hayley and Rupert to our extraordinary family of actors. They are a perfect match for the world of Rutshire, so lovingly created by Dame Jilly and the team at Happy Prince."
Meanwhile, Dominic Treadwell-Collins, Chief Creative Officer of Rivals' production studio Happy Prince, commented: "We are utterly thrilled to have Hayley and Rupert join us to play Jilly Cooper's legendary characters Helen and Malise Gordon.
"Alongside our other new wonderful actors and truly brilliant returning cast, Rivals series two absolutely showcases the best of British and Irish talent. With further exciting guest stars to be announced, we can't wait for everyone to see what's next for the residents of Rutshire."
The second series won't just feature two thrilling new guest appearances - viewers can also anticipate a bumper run of 12 episodes.
Aidan Turner, Victoria Smurfit, Nafessa Williams and Danny Dyer are all anticipated to reprise their roles from the first series.
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