Sorry Nobody Wants This, but in the fast-moving world of TV we’ve already got a new obsession: Rivals – the incredible series that we’ve affectionately deemed a ‘romp-com’. You're welcome for that new term.
Dropping on Disney+ on Friday 18th October, the show – based on the novel of the same name by Jilly Cooper, who actually has a brief cameo in Rivals - follows a fierce rivalry between TV mogul Lord Tony Baddingham (a terrifying David Tennant) and former show jumper turned politician Rupert Campbell-Black (an utterly charming Alex Hassell). When journalist and presenter Declan O’Hara (Aidan Turner) is dragged into the mix though, that’s when the drama really starts kicking off. Let’s be real, when a new series opens with a sex scene, you know you’re in a for a ride!
However, like all TV shows, sadly the scandalous drama had to come to an end at some point and series one of Rivals ended with the eighth episode.
But considering what a cliffhanger we were left on (surely *spoiler alert* Tony Baddingham can’t be dead?), fans have immediately started Googling whether or not we can expect to see a second series of Rivals.
Well we have good news and bad news...
Will there be a second series of Rivals?
Although Disney+ have yet to officially announce the show’s renewal, screenwriter Dominic Treadwell-Collins recently admitted that he had only adapted the first of the Rivals book.
And ahead of the show’s release today, a TV insider shared, ‘The feeling is that there is still so much more in the story that could easily be made into a sequel. Disney+ appear to be on board, even though they haven’t announced an official commission yet.
‘Bosses at the streamer can see there is a huge amount of anticipation for this show, and having seen the episodes, they know it won’t disappoint. So going for a follow-up is a no-brainer, though these things take money and time, particularly as they have to try to align the very busy diaries of Rivals’ star-studded cast.’
With a Rotten Tomatoes score of 93% we feel it’s only a matter of time before Disney+ confirm a second series of Rivals. Fingers crossed!
Did Jilly Cooper write a sequel to Rivals?
It turns out that Rivals is actually a sequel itself - to a book called Riders which was first published in 1985.
Speaking about the second book in her Rutshire Chronicles, Jilly Cooper has admitted, ‘I think Rivals is my favourite novel because I love the characters so much. Even the most ruthless display moments of tenderness and vulnerability and the shyest and gentlest show courage and integrity as true love blossoms.’
Rivals is actually the second book in a series of 11, so there’s plenty more content out there for future seasons.
Not only that, but it was also recently reported that UK production company FilmWave had required the rights for all but two of the books.
What can we expect in season two of Rivals?
Brace yourself for spoilers!
The last episode of Rivals season one was a big one. Not only did Taggie (Bella Maclean) and Rupert finally kiss, but we also saw the phone call which will enable the new TV company Ventura - led by Rupert, Declan and Freddie Jones (a scene-stealing Danny Dyer) - to compete for Corinium's viewers.
But perhaps the biggest cliffhanger, as we previously alluded to, was the potential death of all-round arsehole Tony Baddingham, 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. Come on Disney+, we need answers!
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.