
Emily Atack reunites with Rivals co-stars including Danny Dyer and Alex Hassell as she shares snaps of cast for series two filming
Emily Atack has reunited with her Rivals co-stars Danny Dyer and Alex Hassell as she shared a behind-the-scenes look at filming of series two.
The Disney+ drama, based on author Jilly Cooper's novel of the same name - premiered in October 2024 and was quickly greenlit for a second season.
Disney+, Hulu, and cast members Nafessa Williams and Alex all revealed on Thursday that filming for the second instalment of the hit show had begun as they shared on-set snaps.
And later that day, Emily joined in with the reunion snaps as she shared a carousel of sweet group pictures.
Emily could be seen beaming while having a drink at the pub with her co-stars Alex, Danny, Luca Pasqualino and Rufus Jones.
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Meanwhile in another snap, Emily took a selfie as she strolled along the street with co-stars Alex, Aidan Turner, Gary Lamont and Hubert Burton.
Emily shared a look at a table read for an episode of the series, as well as a Rivals 2 clapper board.
She could be seen smiling in a glamorous snap as she posed alongside David Tennant and Nafessa.
And an adorable snap showed a card written to Emily from author Jilly welcoming her back to the show.
Back in December 2024, the renewal was confirmed and now a first look at the new series has been shared on social media.
Disney+, Hulu, Nafessa and Alex all took to Instagram to post a shared set of pictures from the set of Rivals.
In one snap Nafessa, Alex and Adrian can be seen posing for a picture surrounded by greenery.
Nafessa - who plays Cameron Cook - rocked a red shirt and white wide leg trousers, while X actor Alex opted for a light pink polo shirt, white trousers and knee high brown boots.
Emily shared a look at a table read for an episode of the series, as well as a Rivals 2 clapper board
And an adorable snap showed a card written to Emily from author Jilly welcoming her back to the show
Aidan, who has taken on the role of Declan O'Hara, wore a blue polo shirt, grey trousers and rocked a very impressive moustache.
Actress Bella Maclean was all smiles as she held a clapperboard while cuddling up to a cute pooch.
She plays Agatha Taggie O'Hara in the series.
And the third picture sees Danny Dyer (Freddie Jones) and Lisa McGrillis (Valerie Jones) cosying up together in front of the camera.
They captioned the post: 'Back on set and ready for more action.
'Season 2 of #Rivals is now in production.
'Stream season 1 on Hulu and with #HuluOnDisneyPlus.'
Many fans rushed to the comments section to share their excitement.
'We're so ready ���� my favourite cast.'
'Cannot wait.'
'I'm up. I'm awake. I'm crying. I'm excited. '
'We are so back baby! '
'Oh my god… this is too exciting… get it film! Get it edited and get it out asap.'
'Yesssssss! I've just re-binged series 1 all over again.'
Earlier this month Disney+ confirmed that Rivals will return for a second series after its huge success last year - and they have treated fans to an extra four episodes.
Many have rushed to the comments section on the post to share their excitement at the upcoming second series
The first series, which was eight episodes, became a huge hit and ended on a huge cliffhanger after David Tennant's character Lord Tony Baddingham was left for dead.
Though the fate of Lord Baddingham appeared dire, it has now been confirmed that David will reprise his role in the upcoming second season in a major casting update.
The streaming service has also confirmed that they have already started filming again, with fans set to be treated to 12 new episodes.
Along with David's return, Alex Hassell will reprise his role as Rupert Campbell-Black and Aidan Turner will once again star as Declan O'Hara.
Nafessa Williams will once again take on the role of Cameron Cook, while Bella Maclean will again play Taggie O'Hara and Emily Atack will return as Sarah Stratton.
The likes of Katherine Parkinson, Danny Dyer, Claire Rushbrook, Catriona Chandler, Lisa McGrillis, Annabel Scholey and Luca Pacqalino will also be on the show.
Rivals fans previously begged Disney+ for a second series of the saucy show after binge watching all it's eight episodes in a matter of days but were forced to wait months until the news was officially confirmed.
Author and executive producer Dame Jilly Cooper said of the news: '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 and for everyone to see what further mischief they all get up to!'
Executive producers Dominic Treadwell-Collins and Alexander Lamb added: 'We are so excited to be returning to Rutshire for an extended stay of twelve episodes for season two of Rivals.
'It's very special to have the same team return in front of and behind the cameras and we cannot wait to share more of Jilly's world with our audience.'
And Lee Mason, who is executive director of scripted content for Disney+, added: 'It's a real privilege to have this phenomenal team back together for season two of Rivals.
'From the exceptional cast, the remarkable creative team behind the camera – including the one and only Dame Jilly Cooper. Disney+ audiences are in for an absolute treat.. Rutshire here we come…'
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