Rivals gets surprising addition as filming starts on second series for Disney +

Dame Jilly Cooper has declared herself “sex-static” over filming beginning on the second series of , which has been expanded to 12 episodes. The first series, of eight instalments, has become +’s most successful general entertainment premiere ever, in the UK.

Now its stars, including , Alex Hassell, , , Danny Dyer, Bella McClean and , will return to fictional Rutshire to film the second half of Dame Jilly’s iconic 1980s novel.

The author, an executive producer on the TV version, laughed: “I’m utterly sex-static filming for the second season is upon us. It was magical working on the first season and seeing everyone fall head over heels for my beloved characters. I’m delighted to be able to work with them again and for everyone to see what further mischief they all get up to.”

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In the plot the series ended with Lord Tony Baddingham (Tennant) finding out that his arch enemies Rupert Campbell-Black (Hassell) and Declan O’Hara (Turner) have put together a rival consortium to bid for his beloved TV franchise. And in the last episode viewers watched as his glamorous mistress Cameron Cook, played by American actress Nafessa Williams, defected to the other side.

The audience was also gripped by the blossoming romance between outrageous cad Rupert and Declan’s daughter Taggie (McClean) who is half his age. Another love story, which has led to award nods for both and Katherine Parkinson, involved their characters Freddy Jones and Lizzie Vereker, each married to an unsuitable partner.

Showrunner Dominic Treadwell-Collins said he was delighted to be returning with a run that is 50% longer than the last one. “We are so excited to be returning to Rutshire for an extended stay of twelve episodes for season two of Rivals. It’s very special to have the same team return in front of and behind the cameras and we cannot wait to share more of Jilly’s with our audience.”.

Dyer won the RTS Award for supporting actor for his role as loveable mogul Freddie and also the Broadcasting Press Guild award for best actor. Now Tennant, who is the drama’s main villain, and Parkinson - whose author character Lizzie is said to have been based on Jilly herself - have each received a nomination at tomorrow night’s TV BAFTAs (SUN.

Disney+ scripted content boss Lee Mason promised that viewers were in for “an absolute treat” with the second run.

The series, due to hit the screen later this year, is set against the backdrop of the stunning Cotswolds countryside and the glamorous, high-stakes world of 1980s British television where careers, marriages and reputations hang in the balance.

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