In a year where we've been treated to lots of great TV, there was one that quickly became our hottest obsession: Rivals – the incredible series that we affectionately deemed a ‘romp-com’. You're welcome for that new term.
Now fans of the show are in for a treat. Following much anticipation, Disney+ have officially announced Rivals will return for a second series. Yep, you heard it right. Your favourite horny, upper-class characters will be back on our screens for more gossiping, parties, frolicking, and of course, sex.
Season one, 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 series opens with a sex scene, you know you’re in a for a ride!
Without further ado, here's everything we know so far about Rivals season 2...
Will there be a second series of Rivals?
It's good news for fans, because Disney+ has confirmed there will be a second series of Rivals. Dominic Treadwell-Collins, Chief Creative Officer of Happy Prince and Alexander Lamb, Creative Director of Happy Prince 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.
With a Rotten Tomatoes score of 93%, it was only a matter of time before Disney+ confirmed a second series of Rivals.
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 acquired 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 - and we already can't wait.
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.