Rivals Season 2, Part 2: Everything We Know So Far

There is much to love about Jilly Cooper‘s Rutshire novels (aka ‘the Rutshire Chronicles’), not least that there are 11 of them to devour. These novels – the first of which, Riders, was published in 1986 and the final, Tackle!, in 2023 – changed everything in Britain’s erotic literature culture. Suddenly, these titillating novels were not just openly displayed on bestseller tables in bookshops, but they were at the forefront of conversation. Her distinct, idiosyncratic mixture of sharp humour, romance, and unapologetic descriptions of sex made Jilly the inventor of the bonkbuster – and Brits, as well as readers across the globe, have been reading her work for four decades.

So when Disney+ greenlit a television adaptation of Jilly’s second Rutshire novel Rivals in 2022, there was a little apprehension. Could a broadcaster best known for its family-friendly cartoons really bring filthy Rutshire to life? As we discovered when Rivals landed on the streaming platform in 2024, yes, indeed it can.

Bella Maclean as Taggie and Alex Hassell as Rupert Campbell-Black in Rivals season 2. (Disney)

Made up of eight episodes, the first season of Rivals actually only covers half of the action in Jilly’s 700-page tome. A few months after season one concluded, Disney+ revealed a second season would soon follow, continuing the action where we left off. After a long production period, within which Jilly sadly passed away, we would finally see the fruits of the team’s labour in the first six episodes of a planned 12-episode season 2.

With more wit, luridly clashing colours and interpersonal drama than ever before, it’s safe to say Rivals season 2, so far, has been a smash hit. However, even though we are only halfway through season 2, our time in Rutshire has come to an end – for the time being. This is because season 2 has been split into two halves, meaning more goodness is on its way to us.

Now that the explosive mid-season finale has aired, wrapping up part 1, we are naturally left wondering what on earth will happen in Rivals season 2 part 2. Here’s everything we know so far, plus when we will get to see it.

Spoilers ahead – you’ve been warned.

Rivals Season 2 Part 2: Everything We Know

Tensions are expected to reach a fever pitch as loyalties continue to be tested in Rivals Season 2 Part 2. (Disney)

What Will Happen?

After a shocking turn of events in the part 1 finale, there’s even more scandal and betrayal planned for Rivals season 2 part 2, with an added dollop of tragedy.

After Monica Baddingham unexpectedly dies when a tree hits her car (with Caitlin O’Hara (Catriona Chandler) in the passenger seat, no less), the residents of Rutshire are rocked by the news.

But death doesn’t bring everyone together – especially as the battle between Venturer and Corinium reaches fever pitch. We can expect plenty more of Tony Baddingham (David Tennant) and Declan O’Hara (Aidan Turner) butting heads as they contest the Cotswolds television crown. Rupert Campbell Black (Alex Hassell) will be forced to confront his own personal demons after all of his dirty laundry was aired to the nation in part 1. Caught in the crossfire, love-struck Taggie (Bella Maclean) must find the courage to follow her own heart.

Will Taggie finally follow her heart in part two? (Disney)

As viewers, we know Monica’s final acts: that she was planning to leave Tony after discovering he was having an affair with Maud O’Hara (Victoria Smurfit). In driving Maud’s daughter Caitlin back to The Priory, Monica planned to tell Declan all about her discovery. Will her dying secret see the light in part 2? Only time will tell.

It wouldn’t be Rivals without a dose of light-heartedness. We’re told to expect hedonistic parties, bonfire night chaos, a Hampshire Hunt Ball and a turbulent Christmas as affairs unravel, alliances fracture and rivalries intensify.

Watch the trailer below for a taste of the drama.

The Cast

All of our favourites will return, aside from one particular character who shockingly perished in the mid-season finale. We are of course talking about Monica Baddingham, played by British TV stalwart Claire Rushbrook.

Clare Rushbrook won’t return for part 2 after her character, Monica Baddingham, shockingly died in part 1. (Disney)

In her wake, some new stars will join the cabal, including Rachel Stirling as Araminta Pemberton, Monica Baddingham’s vampish younger sister. Elsewhere Rupert Evans joins as erudite headmaster David Hawkley and Santiago Cabrera is set to star as Argentinian Polo legend Alejandro Mendoza.

Will Monica’s secret see the light in part 2? (Disney)

The rest of the cast includes:

• David Tennant as Lord Tony Baddingham
• Alex Hassell as Rupert Campbell-Black
• Aidan Turner as Declan O’Hara
• Nafessa Williams as Cameron Cook
• Bella Maclean as Taggie O’Hara
• Katherine Parkinson as Lizzie Vereker
• Danny Dyer as Freddie Jones
• Victoria Smurfit as Maud O’Hara
• Oliver Chris as James Vereker
• Lisa McGrillis as Valerie Jones
• Emily Atack as Sarah Stratton
• Rufus Jones as Paul Stratton
• Luca Pasqualino as Basil ‘Bas’ Baddingham
• Hayley Atwell as Helen Gordon
• Rupert Everett as Malise Gordon
• Catriona Chandler as Caitlin O’Hara
• Annabel Scholey as Beattie Johnson
• Gary Lamont as Charles Fairburn
• Hubert Burton as Gerald Middleton
• Gabriel Tierney as Patrick O’Hara
• Lara Peake as Daysee Butler
• Bryony Hannah as Dierdre Kilpatrick

Rutshire is shaken by Monica’s sudden passing – but death doesn’t bring everyone together… (Disney)

Release Date

There’s still a long while to wait: Rivals season 2 part 2 is planned to air in November 2026, as Disney confirmed on 6 June. In the meantime, anyone for a rewatch?