
Aidan Turner and Alex Hassell share jokes and cigarettes on the set of Rivals 2 as David Tennant's villain seeks revenge
Fans will get to see more of the smash-hit series
all smiles Aidan Turner and Alex Hassell share jokes and cigarettes on the set of Rivals 2 as David Tennant's villain seeks revenge
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
RIVALS stars Aidan Turner and Alex Hassell shared jokes and cigarettes on set for series two.
Based on Jilly Cooper's 1988 novel, the raunchy period drama launched on Disney+ last year to great success.
Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter
Sign up
3
Aidan Turner and Alex Hassell shared laughs on set of Rivals 2
Credit: Splash
3
The stars are both returning for the show's second outing
Credit: Splash
3
David Tennant was also spotted on set
Credit: Adrian Sherratt
Filming for series two is underway and the two actors were all smiles in photos from the set.
David Tennant, who plays villain Lord Tony Baddingham, was also seen on set.
The ensemble cast also includes Danny Dyer, Katherine Parkinson and Emily Atack
Following the original book, the first series of Rivals was set in the fictional county of Rutshire in the '80s.
It saw long-held grudges bubble to the surface as characters vied for business and each others' affections in the cut-throat world of telly execs.
Series two will comprise 12 episodes altogether - marking an increase of four.
The Sun previously reported how execs commissioned the show for a second outing before series one even debuted.
Viewers tuned into the show in droves as they raved about the racy action in both the bedroom and boardroom.
After the jaw-dropping cliffhanger ending, many viewers eagerly waited to watch more on Disney+.
Fans soon flocked to social media to share their appreciation for the show.
Rivals Official Trailer
One penned: "Episode one done. It's magnificent! Well done @DisneyPlus and Dame Jilly. #Rivals."
Another wrote: "I f*****g love #rivals on #DisneyPlus so glad it hasn't disappointed me as it is my favourite book ever (and no I'm not embarrassed to admit it)."
While a third remarked: "#rivals everything I expected and more! 80s hair, music and debauchery! I love it!"
A fourth chimed in: "Im loving this show!!! #rivals #hulu."
Rivals: The Cast
An ensemble of stars make up the huge cast of the hit Disney+ show Rivals.
Alex Hassell - Rupert Campbell-Black (A retired Olympian show jumper who is now a Tory MP and sports minister)
David Tennant - Lord Baddingham (The managing director of Corinium Television)
Aidan Turner - Declan O'Hara (Former BBC journalist who is lured over to Corinium)
Victoria Smurfit - Maud O'Hara (Declan's wretched wife and a former actress)
Nafessa Williams - Cameron Cook (No-nonsense American TV producer who works for Corinium)
Bella Maclean - Agatha 'Taggie' O'Hara (Eldest daughter of Declan and Maud who wants to own her own catering business)
Katherine Parkinson - Lizzie Vereker (A romance author and resident of Rutshire)
Oliver Chris - James Vereker (TV host at Corinium and Lizzie's self-absorbed husband)
Danny Dyer - Freddie Jones (Self-made successful electronics businessman and resident in Rutshire)
Lisa McGrillis - Valerie Jones (Freddie's wife who is a notorious social climber)
Emily Atack - Sarah Stratton (The second wife of MP Paul Stratton, who wants to become a TV presenter)
Rufus Jones - Paul Stratton (British MP going through a mid-life crisis)
Claire Rushbrook - Monica, Lady Baddingham (Tony's wife)
Luke Pasqualino - Basil 'Bas' Baddingham (Tony's younger and promiscuous half-brother)
Gary Lamont - Charles Fairburn (Controller of programmes at Corinium)
Author Dame Jilly Cooper said previously: "Nearly 40 years after my novel Rivals was published, I've adored seeing the world fall in love with my beloved characters - Rutshire's Finest.
"And it has been a fairytale come true working with Happy Prince and Disney+ on the first season."
She added: "I'm orgasmic with excitement and cannot wait for the return of my superhero Rupert Campbell-Black and the rest of the characters in season two!"
Rivals airs on Disney+.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry enjoy wholesome Disneyland trip with their children
Meghan Markle and husband Prince Harry whisked themselves and their two kids away for a memorable family trip to Disneyland. The Duchess of Sussex, 43, uploaded a new Instagram post that included special moments from their visit to the Happiest Place on Earth to celebrate their daughter Lillibet's fourth birthday. It comes just days after she sparked controversy over a throwback clip of herself twerking in a hospital room ahead of Lillibet's birth. Markle shared a video montage from the two-day Disneyland vacation as the family had a blast on numerous rides and indulged in yummy treats. One snippet showed both Lillibet and their son Archie, six, having the chance to meet Disney princess Elsa from Frozen. Meghan held her children's hands as they slowly walked over to take pictures with the character in a sweet moment.


Time Out
4 hours ago
- Time Out
Win Son Bakery
In Williamsburg, Josh Ku and Trigg Brown had already made their stake on the corner of Montrose and Graham Avenues, with their full-service Taiwanese restaurant Win Son. But as their restaurant started to trend, they decided they would open a casual affair across the street, opening Win Son Bakery with Jesse Shapell and pastry chef Danielle Spencer in 2019. Years later, the bakery has become a favorite of the neighborhood due to its Taiwanese fare crossed with French and American influences. The first meal of the day starts with a riff on a BEC that we can get behind. Subbing bread for crispy fried and yet still chewy scallion pancakes, the pancakes are folded with Havarti, bacon, eggs and cheese. Plus, each sandwich comes with a gingery sauce for dipping. Lunch continues with fried chicken and shrimp on milk buns and snow pea salads with tofu skin. No matter what, a visit should always include an order of both (yeah, we said it, both!) made-to-order donuts: the millet mochi donut and the fermented red rice donut. Once you get a bite of that QQ texture, you'll understand why. The vibe: There are plenty of tables and stools here, but they are constantly in use, especially during the morning time. Luckily, the residents of Williamsburg know when it is time to give up a table, so you won't have to wait long to snag a seat. The food: Mornings call for the meaty Pork Fan Tuan or the savory Scallion Pancake BEC. Like we said, the donuts are non-negotiable—you have to order them and that's final.


Daily Mail
5 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Disneyland announces it is shutting down beloved ride as part of wave of changes at the park
Disneyland has revealed it is shutting down one of its beloved rides to make way for a new attraction. The California resort announced last summer that a new Avatar themed ride would be making its way to fans. But now it has emerged that will be at the cost of a beloved fan-favorite attraction; Monsters, Inc. Mike and Sulley to the Rescue! The ride is set to close at the beginning at 2026 in order to make way for a new era of Disneyland. The current attraction whisks riders through scenes from the Monsters Inc universe as characters Mike and Sulley race through the streets of Monstropolis to rescue Boo. It was launched in 2006, allowing millions of guests to enjoy the 20-year run. Not only is Monstropolis getting a makeover, part of Disneyland California Resort's backlot where the ride is located will be reconstructed to immerse park-goers into the world of Avatar. However, unlike Florida's Disneyworld, this iteration will not be based on the original 'Avatar' film. Instead the area will become a visual recreation of ' Avatar: The Way of Water ' According to Disney Parks Blog and may even feature concepts from upcoming Avatar films. Concept imagery shows the headlining ride taking fans through the sparkling blue lagoons of Pandora. The area will be centered around the water, recreating the landscape of the film and allowing park-goers to feel fully immersed, as if they are Avatars themselves. Disney officials describe the addition as 'dynamic, intense and an emotional experience on a grand scale', the LA Times reports. An opening and construction timeline has yet to be released. But Park-goers who loved the Monsters Inc ride are mourning its closure. 'So disappointing. Why they would make an Avatar land is beyond me. Part of the appeal of DCA is it's better for littler kids. This was one of the anchor rides for that experience. More disappointment,' wrote X user Rami Elghandour. 'They should just give us a Monsters Inc. land instead,' said another user. Park-goers who loved the fan-favorite attraction are mourning its closure 'This sucks! Avatar fits ten times better in Animal Kingdom than DCA… transitioning from Hollywood Land to Avatar? Really? Nope. Down with the idea—would rather have the Muppets back and keep Monsters Inc. alive to preserve kid-friendly rides in the park! There's not enough for little ones to do!' another fan chimed in. '@DisneyParks has no idea how to do the 'theme' in theme parks anymore. Just random stuff everywhere now,' complained another. 'R.I.P. Monsters. I'll forever miss you,' one user simply mourned. The new themed area was announced alongside other exciting additions to the Disneyland landscape, including a new 'Coco' attraction located near Pixar Pier at Disneyland California Adventure. This will mark the first 'Coco' activity in any Disney theme park, Disney Parks Blog writes. 'The attraction will be filled with the characters — and music! — you know and love from the beloved movie, as you join Miguel on a trip to the land of the dead.' Construction will begin in in fall 2026. Disney also plans on adding two new 'Avengers' attractions to Avengers Campus in Disneyland's California Adventure, although creators have yet to release a timeline for their construction. Disney also promised a new parking structure to accommodate demand for their millions of guests, according to Disney Parks Blog. 'This new area will provide approximately 6,000 parking spaces, shuttle and rideshare areas, security screening and dedicated access for traffic off of Disney Way, improving parking and traffic flow throughout the resort area' While this transformation marks an ending for many beloved rides, Disneyland continues to add one new attraction after the other in theme with new films and fan favorites. As Monster's Inc. fans mourn the loss of the classic ride, Avatar fans can get excited about ushering in a brand new era. 'This is just the beginning of exciting growth here at Disneyland Resort, and we look forward to sharing more about all of these projects in the future,' a spokesman said.