Latest news with #Rutshire


The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Aidan Turner and Alex Hassell share jokes and cigarettes on the set of Rivals 2 as David Tennant's villain seeks revenge
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. 3 3 3 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. 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. 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!"


Metro
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Rivals season 2 begins filming and fans are demanding one big change
Rivals is officially back in business for season two on Disney Plus and Hulu in the US. The cast of the romping Jilly Cooper adaptation shared a selection of set snaps of the cast in their 80s period gear, confirming the smash show is winding its way back onto our screens. The slideshow of pictures sees Nafessa Williams holding a clapperboard reading 'Rivals 2', smiling alongside Alexander Hassell wearing a polo kit –naturally – and Aidan Turner with his handlebar moustache back in effect. Also pictured in the sunny behind-the-scenes snaps were Bella Maclean, Lisa McGrillis and Danny Dyer, who is similarly moustachioed and dressed for a polo match. David Tennant was conspicuously absent from the post, after his character Tony Baddingham met a sticky fate at the end of the first season, but it is understood he will be back for the second instalment. The show's fans were quick to take to the comments to celebrate the exciting update from Rutshire, and several had a particular request for the second season of the show. The eighth and final episode of season one ended on a myriad of cliffhangers, and one of them was the question of where Rupert Campbell-Black (Hassell) and Taggie O'Hara's (Maclean) budding romance might go next. Fans are now asking for more scenes between the pair in the upcoming season, with @myoannsmithh writing: 'I am only here for Taggie and Rupert,' while @vidagomez5 very excitedly added: 'RUPERT TAGGIE.' More Trending @beyzayetkins pleaded in the comments: 'Pls more Rupert and Taggie.' Senior TV Reporter Rebecca Cook shares her take on the Rivals relationship… The series-long simmering attraction between Rupert, a retired Olympian turned MP, and 17 years his junior Taggie never quite sit right. The fact he's old enough to be her father is pointed out by Taggie's dad, Declan (who Rupert is mates with) as well as Taggie's mum Maud (who makes several unsuccessful passes at Rupert herself). This relationship might have passed muster in the 80s, but with a modern-day sensibility feels odd, particularly given the power imbalance at play. Rupert is a literal member of Parliament, constantly being called off-screen to gab with Margaret Thatcher. Taggie is an aspiring caterer getting to grips with her dyslexia diagnosis. Still, there are age gap romances aplenty. But this one gets going when Rupert gropes Taggie in front of her parents. Another queasy choice. Of course, if fans are excited for more Rupert and Taggie (Raggie? Tupert?), Rivals has pulled off the impressive trick of conquering romance in spite of all that. After the show's first season became one of Disney Plus' most successful UK shows to date, we're in store for a supercharged second season comprising 12 episodes in total. The show will pick up with the second half of Cooper's bonkbuster novel, following the swirling drama of careers, marriages, infidelity and egos in the Cotswolds. We can't wait. View More » Rivals is available to stream on Disney Plus and Hulu in the US. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: I'm addicted to David Tennant's 'impossible' game show – despite its critics MORE: The Bear fans 'hope they don't fumble' season 4 as tense trailer drops MORE: 'Masterpiece' thriller perfect for fans of The Queen's Gambit finally available to stream


The Sun
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Rivals series two starts filming as cast share behind the scenes snap of Danny Dyer's return after BAFTA win
FILMING for Rivals series two has begun - as the cast shared a behind-the-scenes snap of Danny Dyer's return. The likes of David Tennant, Aidan Turner and Emily Atack also appear in the romp-filled series. 3 3 3 The smash-hit period drama, based on Jilly Cooper's 1988 novel, launched on Disney+ last year. New snaps show cast members back on set to film the second series, which was confirmed last year. It comes as cast member Danny Dyer recently took home a prestigious BAFTA. The actor, 47, received the gong for his work in Sky Max comedy Mr Bigstuff - marking his first BAFTA win. Meanwhile, the star recently revealed he will strip totally naked in a full-frontal nude scene for the new series of Rivals. The second outing will comprise 12 episodes altogether - marking an increase of four. David Tennant, Aidan Turner, Katherine Parkinson, Alex Hassell and Nafessa Williams are all confirmed to be returning. Also coming back are Emily Atack, Rufus Jones, Oliver Chris, Victoria Smurfit and Luke Pasqualino to name just a few. 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. 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+. The Sun previously reported how execs commissioned the show for a second outing before series one even debuted. 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 at the time: "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."