Rivals is returning for series two and with filming underway in the rolling countryside of Gloucestershire and Somerset, a major spoiler has been revealed.
Nafessa Williams was pictured on set alongside her co-stars Aidan Turner and Alex Hassell on Wednesday after her character Cameron Cook took on a key role in the shocking series one cliffhanger.
Set in 1986, Rivals follows the cut throat world of television, including the tense rivalry between Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) and Lord Tony Baddingham (David Tennant).
The final episode of series one saw Doctor Who star David’s character struggle with Cameron in dramatic scenes. He was hit on the head, seemingly killed and giving rival Rupert the opportunity to blackmail.
But in a shock turn of events, David is back as he was pictured on set filming scenes with a huge scar on his head.
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Nafessa Williams, who plays Cameron Cook in the period drama, was dressed in a pale blue robe as she was pictured on set filming Rivals series two on Wednesday
In a shock turn of events, David Tennant (Lord Tony Baddingham) is back as he was pictured on set filming scenes with a huge scar on his head – following his near fatal blow
Co-stars Aidan Turner (Declan O’ Hara) and Alex Hassell (Rupert Campbell-Black) were seen in fits of laughter while puffing on a cigarette (Aidan, left, Alex, right)
Dressed in a pale blue robe, Nafessa was also seen in scene, alongside Aidan (Declan O’Hara) and Alex (Rupert Campbell-Black) who were seen in fits of laughter while puffing on cigarettes.
It appears the storyline is indeed following the book as David sensationally returns to the series.
Fans will be pleased to see David on set filming for the new series after fears the hit on his head was a fatal blow.
But Disney+ teased the happy news of Tony’s return last month, sharing an Instagram snap of David’s name card and script at a table read, with the caption: ‘Did someone ask for a Rivals update?’
The period drama – which is based on author Jilly Cooper’s novel of the same name – premiered in the UK on streaming service Disney+, as well as in the US on Hulu back in October 2024.
Rivals became a huge hit with viewers and many were desperate to know if there would be a second series.
Then back in December 2024, the renewal was confirmed and in May a first look at the new series was shared on social media.
Actress Bella Maclean was all smiles as she held a clapperboard while cuddling up to a cute pooch. She plays Agatha Taggie O’Hara in the series.
It appears the storyline is indeed following the book as David sensationally returns to the series
David was seen with a massive scar on the side of his head – using SPX makeup – following the shock blow to head last series
The final episode saw Doctor Who star David’s character struggle with Cameron in dramatic scenes and was hit on the head, seemingly killed and giving rival Rupert the opportunity to blackmail
Fans will be pleased to see David on set filming for the new series after fears the hit on his head was a fatal blow
Disney+ teased the happy news of Tony’s return last month, sharing an Instagram snap of David’s name card and script at a table read
David made a shock return to set following months of speculation whether his character is dead or alive
The story is set in 1986 and follows the cut throat world of television, including the tense rivalry between Rupert Campbell-Black and Lord Tony Baddingham (David)
And the third picture sees Danny Dyer (Freddie Jones) and Lisa McGrillis (Valerie Jones) cosying up together in front of the camera.
They captioned the post: ‘Back on set and ready for more action.
‘Season 2 of #Rivals is now in production. Stream season 1 on Hulu and with #HuluOnDisneyPlus.’
Many fans rushed to the comments section to share their excitement.
‘We’re so ready my favourite cast’, ‘Cannot wait’, ‘I’m up. I’m awake. I’m crying. I’m excited’,
‘We are so back baby!’,
‘Oh my god… this is too exciting… get it film! Get it edited and get it out asap’,
‘Yesssssss! I’ve just re-binged series 1 all over again’.
The period drama – which is based on author Jilly Cooper’s novel of the same name – premiered in the UK on streaming service Disney+, as well as in the US on Hulu back in 2024
Aidan was all smiles to be back filming
He and his co-star Alex couldn’t stop laughing in between takes
Rivals fans previously begged Disney+ for a second series of the saucy show after binge watching all it’s eight episodes in a matter of days but were forced to wait months until the news was officially confirmed
Last month Disney+ confirmed that Rivals will return for a second series after its huge success last year – and they have treated fans to an extra four episodes
The cast of rivals was back filming at the iconic castle
Last month Disney+ confirmed that Rivals will return for a second series after its huge success last year – and they have treated fans to an extra four episodes.
Rivals fans previously begged Disney+ for a second series of the saucy show after binge watching all it’s eight episodes in a matter of days but were forced to wait months until the news was officially confirmed.
Author and executive producer Dame Jilly Cooper said of the news: ‘I’m utterly sex-static filming for the second season is upon us.
‘It was magical working with Happy Prince and Disney+ 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!’
Rivals cast kick off series two filming as they beam in behind-the-scenes pics from Disney+ set in May (pictured Nafessa Williams, Alex Hassell and Adrian Turner)
The period drama – which is based on author Jilly Cooper’s novel of the same name – premiered in the UK on streaming service Disney+, as well as in the US on Hulu back in October 2024 (pictured Danny Dyer and Lisa McGrillis)
Actress Bella Maclean (pictured) was all smiles as she held a clapperboard while cuddling up to a cute pooch
Many have rushed to the comments section on the post to share their excitement at the upcoming second series
Executive producers Dominic Treadwell-Collins and Alexander Lamb added: ‘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 world with our audience.’
And Lee Mason, who is executive director of scripted content for Disney+, added: ‘It’s a real privilege to have this phenomenal team back together for season two of Rivals.
‘From the exceptional cast, the remarkable creative team behind the camera – including the one and only Dame Jilly Cooper. Disney+ audiences are in for an absolute treat.. Rutshire here we come…’
