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The cutthroat 1980s television scene adapted from Dame Jilly Cooper's 1988 bestselling novel is set to return with Rivals Season 2. If the first-look images are anything to go by, the stakes are higher than ever, much like the tantalizing chemistry this season.
Scandals and rivalries are at the forefront yet again on the glamorous Emmy-winning series, with the lead cast returning for another season. The first-look images take us right back to Costworlds and the high-stakes 1980s British television, where the second season will be packing "even more wit, desire, and jaw-dropping twists. Power struggles intensify, rivalries deepen, and ambition pushes loyalties to the brink."
Keep reading to find out more about Rivals Season 2.
First look revealed for Rivals Season 2 ahead of 2026 release
Based on Dame Jilly Cooper's 1988 bestselling novels, Rivals Season 2 is set to dive straight into secret love affairs, career-ending rivalries, and power plays across the jaw-dropping visuals of the countryside in the 1980s.
The lead trio, David Tennant as Lord Tony Baddingham, Alex Hassell as Rupert Campbell-Black, and Aidan Turner as Declan O'Hara, are set to return for the second season. One of the images finds Declan O'Hara standing by a camper van adorned with a T-shirt, the same color as his vehicle.
The second season might find Declan's working relationship challenged with Rupert Campbell-Black, especially after their conversation where Rupert assures him that there's nothing between him and Taggie. The tantalizing slow-burn romance between Rupert and Declan's daughter, Taggie O'Hara (played by Bella Maclean), just got much more dangerous.
Another first look image finds Taggie and Rupert sneaking in a moment together, hidden in a pantry. It's only a while before the burning chemistry between the two will burn its way out to Declan as well.
The first season found its end in a dramatic and jaw-dropping cliffhanger as Tony's fate hung in the balance following the confrontation with his protege-turned-mistress, Nafessa Williams' Cameron Cook. It looked until the last second that Cameron would be the one on the way out, but in the most surprising and exciting twist, she ends up slamming her award on his head and leaves him bleeding while the fireworks go off.
It's clearer than ever that he will be returning to Rivals Season 2 with one thing and one thing only on his mind- Vengeance.
Most of the cast is set to return for Rivals Season 2. A summary of the Season 2 storyline, as per Radio Times, reads:
Set in the stunning Cotswolds countryside and against the backdrop of the glamorous, high-stakes world of 1980s British television, the second installment reunites the all-star cast who captivated fans and critics, while introducing some exciting new faces.
It continues:
Following last season’s dramatic cliffhanger with Tony’s fate hanging in the balance, Lord Baddingham is back and out for vengeance ready to stop at nothing to keep Corinium’s empire unrivalled.
Along with the returning cast, Oliver Dench, Amanda Lawrence, Bobby Lockwood, Elliot Salt, and Johnny Weldon will also be joining for Rivals Season 2.
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