‘Rivals’ has been renewed for a second series

Rivals, the Danny Dyer-starring television show based on the novel by Dame Jilly Cooper, has been renewed by Disney+ for a second season.

The eight-part period drama follows the rivalry between Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) and Lord Tony Baddingham (David Tennant) in the cutthroat, raunchy world of independent television in 1986.

Other members of the cast include Aidan Turner, Victoria Smurfit, Bella Maclean, Catriona Chandler, Lisa McGrillis, Nafessa Williams, Katherine Parkinson, Oliver Chris, Emily Atack and Luke Pasqualino.

The first season, which ended on a dramatic cliffhanger, is based on the second novel in Cooper’s series, and has received much critical acclaim since its release. All eight episodes in the series were released on Hulu in the US and Disney+ in the UK on October 18.

Speaking about the renewal, Cooper said (via PA Media): “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.

“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.”

Lee Mason, executive director of scripted originals, EMEA Disney+, said: “It’s been phenomenal seeing the reaction to Dame Jilly Cooper’s Rivals – this autumn’s most talked about series.

“We’re thrilled that existing fans of the novels, alongside those new to the Cooperverse, have taken the series to their hearts.

“I can’t wait to get back to Rutshire and see what exciting drama the Happy Prince team (part of ITV Studios) have in store for season two – bring on more romance, betrayal, and shoulder pads.”

Dominic Treadwell-Collins, chief creative officer of Happy Prince, and Alexander Lamb, creative director of Happy Prince, added: “It’s been magical to receive the love back from viewers that we put into Rivals.

“The Rivals team set out to create people’s favourite television show, something enduring that our audience would take to their hearts and watch and rewatch. We’re delighted that we’re returning to Rutshire with Jilly and Disney+. It’s a special place to be.”

The show also gained many fans thanks to its ’80s soundtrack that included the likes of Depeche Mode and The Human League. You can check out every song on the soundtrack here.

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