Grab a glass of bubbly and get ready, darlings! The smash-hit series Rivals on Disney+—inspired by Dame Jilly Cooper’s iconic ’80s saga of power, drama, and scandal—has officially been renewed for a second season. And guess what? They need fresh faces to join the cast ASAP! With stars like David Tennant, Alex Hassell, Bella Maclean, Aidan Turner, Katherine Parkinson, and Danny Dyer already onboard, this is your chance to be part of something spectacular. Don’t miss it!
What is the purpose of “Rivals”?
Rivals dives into the scandalous, spirited, and sensational lives of the residents of Rutshire, a fictional English county brimming with drama. Set against the backdrop of the 1980s, the series centers on the intense feud between former Olympic show jumper-turned-Conservative MP Rupert Campbell-Black (Hassell), fiery journalist Declan O’Hara (Turner), and cunning media tycoon Lord Tony Baddingham (Tennant) as they battle for dominance over a coveted regional television franchise.
With bold fashion, extravagant antics, and a delicious dose of camp, Rivals has captivated critics and audiences alike on both sides of the Atlantic.
Created for Disney+, Rivals is an adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s 1988 novel of the same name, the second book in her Rutshire Chronicles series. Cooper, often hailed as the UK’s queen of high-society “bonkbusters,” has a devoted fan base—including the creative team behind this new series.
Among her most dedicated admirers is literary agent Felicity Blunt (sister of actress Emily Blunt and wife of Stanley Tucci), who proudly calls herself an “uber Jilly fan,” as she told The Times. She reminisces about the unforgettable first meeting with fellow Rivals enthusiast, former EastEnders producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins, when they approached Cooper. “It was love at first sight,” she recalls. “Five hours flew by, champagne was poured, and by the end, a gentleman’s handshake sealed the deal to bring the project to life.”
Adjustments were made to the original book to reflect the evolving social attitudes over the years. One notable change includes the character Charles Fairburn, a gay television executive portrayed by Gary Lamont, being given a more developed romantic storyline.
Additionally, the portrayal of an attack on junior TV staffer Daysee Butler (played by Lara Peake) has been approached with greater depth. However, Blunt credits Cooper as the driving force behind these revisions.
David Tennant, who was encouraged to take on the role by his wife Georgia—a fellow admirer of Cooper—shared his thoughts with Variety on the show’s cultural impact. “I’ve had a few experiences where a project transcends its initial scope and sparks broader discussions beyond just the work itself. Rivals definitely feels like one of those moments. People are really embracing it.”
The first season of Rivals wraps up midway through the novel it’s adapted from, leaving plenty of untapped material. In fact, the Rutshire Chronicles series includes nine more books featuring the charismatic Rupert Campbell-Black, offering ample content for future adaptations.
Work on Season 2 is already underway, with Cooper fully committed to the project. Expressing her enthusiasm, she stated, “I’m beyond thrilled—practically bursting with excitement! I can’t wait to bring my superhero, Rupert Campbell-Black, and the rest of the gang back for another season!”
When is “Rivals” being filmed?
The production of Rivals marked a milestone as the first major project filmed at the newly opened TBY2 facility at Bottle Yard Studios in Bristol. In addition to utilizing the studio, the crew spent six months capturing scenes across various locations in South West England. Filming for the first season kicked off in March 2023, though there’s no confirmed timeline for the start of Season 2.
Chavenage House, a historic Elizabethan manor near Tetbury, served as the grand estate for O’Hara’s residence. The village itself played a key role in inspiring Cooper’s original vision. Reflecting on the experience, Turner shared with The Times, “It’s just so much fun. We’re in the Cotswolds, filming in different grand manor houses every day, having garden parties.
There’s a bit of a Method vibe happening—we’re all embracing the lifestyle. We even had a late night out at the Ivy, plenty of cocktails… I’ve never wanted a Season 2 of anything more in my life.” And it looks like that wish may soon become reality.
What is the cast of “Rivals”?
In an interview with Drama Quarterly, Treadwell-Collins compared the casting process to assembling a boy band on The X Factor. According to The Times, a strict “no difficult personalities” rule was in place during casting.
Renowned British casting director Kelly Valentine Hendry and her team at KVH Casting were responsible for assembling the ideal cast for Rivals, and she may return for Season 2. Speaking with Drama Quarterly, she emphasized the importance of collaboration: “The more we worked as a team and truly listened to one another, the stronger the casting became. That was key for Rivals.”
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She also highlighted the careful balance required when selecting actors: “We were meticulous about ensuring each new addition fit seamlessly without shifting the show’s overall tone. At the same time, we wanted to avoid a chaotic mix—it’s definitely a skill.”
Another crucial requirement for the Rivals cast? Comfort with nudity. Both male and female actors had to embrace the show’s intimate scenes—so much so that production brought in not one, but two intimacy coordinators, revealed Turner.
What are the best ways to ace an audition for a job on “Rivals”?
Nafessa Williams, the American television star known for her role as the confident Cameron Cook, shares valuable audition advice on her Instagram: “Dress the part! I once had an audition set in the ’70s, and I fully embraced the era. How I present myself at auditions is just as important as my performance.
I strive to give casting directors, producers, and directors a clear picture of the character. Remember, they often don’t know exactly what they’re looking for until they see it. So have fun and make sure they notice you! Fear and ego are just illusions!”
If dark-haired Hassell had followed his own instincts, he wouldn’t have landed the lead role in Rivals. Originally, his agents put him forward for the role of Rupert—a character described in the books as a blond Adonis—but he wasn’t convinced.
Speaking to Drama Quarterly, he admitted, “When I read Rupert’s description, I thought, ‘There’s no way I’ll get this role. Why am I even auditioning?’ I told my agents I didn’t think it was worth it. Thankfully, they persuaded me to go for it, and somehow, I landed the part.”
Maclean, who plays Taggie, Hassell’s on-screen love interest, was cast before him. Reflecting on their first meeting, she shared with US Weekly, “During the audition, I instantly knew—before even speaking to him—that he was the one. We ended up chatting outside before his audition, and I remember thinking, ‘Wow, this guy is amazing.’ When he landed the role, it was incredibly exciting.”
Hassell later shared his insights on acting in the auditions, emphasizing that there’s no singular formula for success. “There’s no perfect method, secret shortcut, or specific type of person who makes it. It’s all about luck, timing, preparation, dedication, opportunity, perseverance, and determination,” he advised aspiring actors.
Casting director Hendry also offered practical advice, noting that talent can emerge from anywhere. She explained that she scouts actors from various sources, including major and small agencies, drama groups, and even outside of London.
When it comes to self-taping, she has clear preferences: “I’m not a fan of white backgrounds—they don’t always flatter you on camera. Instead, opt for a blue or gray backdrop and ensure you have proper lighting. Good sound quality is crucial, so make sure your audio is clear. Also, position your reader a bit farther from the camera so their voice is audible but not overpowering. A distracting reader can really take away from your performance.”
She also emphasized the importance of following directions if you receive a callback. Remember, being called back means the team sees potential in you. To maintain consistency, she even recommends wearing the same outfit from your initial audition.
She offers words of encouragement to aspiring Rivals actors, emphasizing that casting directors are on their side: “Actors, remember that we’re rooting for you. When you step into our casting room or submit a self-tape, we’re genuinely hoping you’re the perfect fit. Prioritize your mental and physical well-being—you’re not just a performer; you’re your own brand. And most importantly, tune out the negativity. Stay focused, stay strong.”
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