If you're as desperate to head off back to Rutshire as we are, have we got news for you... Filming of Rivals series 2 is officially underway - bringing our favourite horny, upperclass characters back to our screens for more gossiping, parties, frolicking, and of course, sex.
The show - affectionately deemed a 'romp-com' by fans - was an instant hit when it landed on Disney+ last year. Which is exactly why it came as no surprise when we learnt a second series is officially on the way.
As if Danny Dyer's magnificent moustache wasn't enough, the latest update in the world of Rivals is that, as of May 9, filming is underway. Fans can expect a full 12 episodes (four more than series one) and we simply can't wait.
Without further ado, here's everything we know so far about Rivals season 2...
Will there be a second series of Rivals?
Pack your bags and get ready to head back to Rutshire, because season 2 of Rivals is set to bring more 80s nostalgia, lavish parties, and on-screen raunchiness than ever before.
With a Rotten Tomatoes score of 95%, it was only a matter of time before Disney+ confirmed a second series of Rivals. In the latest update, Freddie Jones actor Danny Dyer opened up about the second season of the show while at the BAFTAs - saying, 'If you want a bit of naughtiness in your life, go and watch it. And Rivals has plenty of naughtiness.'
Dominic Treadwell-Collins, the show's producer and Chief Creative Officer of Happy Prince and Alexander Lamb, Creative Director of Happy Prince, has also said, '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.'
Jilly Cooper is also delighted that Rivals is returning to our screens. '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!,' she said.
Who will return for Rivals season two?
Despite fans initially worrying that the character of Lord Tony Baddingham might not make it into the next season given his unfortunate series one finale, David Tennant has confirmed he will return, along with Alex Hassell, Aidan Turner, Nafessa Williams, Bella Maclean, Katherine Parkinson and Danny Dyer.
Victoria Smurfit, Claire Rushbrook, Oliver Chris, Lisa McGrillis, Emily Atack, Rufus Jones, Luke Pasqualino, Catriona Chandler, and Annabel Scholey will also return to the fictional Rutshire (set somewhere between the Cotswolds and Gloucestershire) for the second series.
Some brand new faces are also set to be joining, however Disney+ is keeping tight lipped on exactly who they are...
What will happen in Rivals season two?
Brace yourself for spoilers!
The last episode of Rivals season one was a big one. Not only did 20-year-old Taggie O'Hara (Bella Maclean) finally kiss bad boy Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell), and Sarah Stratton (Emily Atack) discover she's pregnant, but we also saw the phone call which will enable the new TV company Ventura - led by Rupert, Declan O'Hara (Aidan Turner) and Freddie Jones (Danny Dyer) - to compete for Corinium's viewers.
But perhaps the biggest cliffhanger was the potential death of all-round arsehole Tony Baddingham (David Tennant), who may have been murdered in self-defence by his mistress Cameron Cook (Nafessa Williams).
All of these storylines will need picking up next series - and we already can't wait. We're pretty certain we'll be seeing more of Rupert's slow-burn romance with Taggie. There's also set to be some speculation over Sarah's baby - with Rupert, James and her husband all potential dads. Perhaps the biggest question mark of all will be Lord Baddingham. Will he survive? We're not sure - but given that David Tennant is signed onto the next series, we're at least bound to see some of him.
Producer Dominic teased at Advertising Week, 'We're going bigger and glossier and bookier and noisier... and we are filming in some international places.' He added, 'Everyone's asked, "how are you going to trump the naked tennis scene?" We have.' Dominic also joked that author Jilly has sent him 'a death note', implying that he has steered away from her book.
When asked what she would like for her character Sarah Stratton's arc in the second series, Emily Atack said, 'Can I have an affair with [Aidan's alter-ego] Declan?'
For fans who have read the books, they may have some ideas of what could be coming in series two - although series one showed screenwriters weren't afraid to deviate from the plot of the books, so there may be some fresh twists and turns on the horizon.
When will Rivals season two be released?
There's been no word on exactly when Rivals series two will be released on Disney+, but given that the first-eight episode season took around seven months to film in 2023, and was released the following October, we may not be seeing anymore of our Rutshire favourites until 2026.
Will there be more seasons of Rivals?
Rivals is the second book in a series of 11, so there's clearly plenty more content out there for future seasons. Not only that, it's also been reported that the UK production company FilmWave had acquired the rights for all but two of the books. So while it's not certain just yet that we'll be getting a Rivals series two (or three, or four, or five), there's definitely a chance. Watch this space!
Daisy Hallis a News and Entertainment writer on Grazia, specialising in TV and film meaning that you can count on Daisy for the latest (and best) recommendations.