22-05-2025
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
