Rivals season 2 will be bigger, messier and more emotional – with David Tennant’s Tony “out for blood”

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The first season of Rivals ended with a major cliffhanger, and new episodes will be available in just a few weeks!

Season two is shaping up to be just as wild and funny as the first, and David Tennant will be back as Lord Tony Baddingham. This time around, his character is taking things very seriously.

After a difficult experience with her ex and producer, Cameron Cook (Nafessa Williams), Tony continues her competitive streak and desire to succeed in the second season.

Honestly, even David Tennant admits that Tony’s need to win at everything is a bit…intense. He put it really well, saying that Tony genuinely can’t imagine Rupert having any chance against him – he’s so confident in his own skill, and that perfectly polished accent, that he just sees Rupert being utterly defeated.

We’ll have to watch and find out exactly how he plans to get revenge and take back control. The first episodes of season 2 will premiere on May 15th, and the rest of the season will be released later this year.

Season two sees the competition for the Central South West TV license intensify, with the rivalry between Corinium and Venturer becoming increasingly risky.

Tony Baddingham is now more determined and aggressive than ever before. He’s systematically working to destroy his opponents, using damaging rumors and manipulating people he knows to stay in control.

As the extravagant 1980s unfold, the private lives of those living in Rutshire begin to fall apart. Relationships crumble due to career pressures, secret romances endanger families, and old secrets resurface with dramatic results.

When fierce competition drives people to their limits, friendships and relationships suffer as everyone fights to win. But at what point does the struggle for victory become too much?

David Tennant and Rose Leslie are back, and Alex Hassell returns as Rupert Campbell-Black. Many other familiar actors will also be reprising their roles, including Bella Maclean, Victoria Smurfit, Claire Rushbrook, Oliver Chris, Lisa McGrillis, Emily Atack, Rufus Jones, Luke Pasqualino, Catriona Chandler, and Annabel Scholey.

The cast now includes Rupert Everett, who will play Malise Gordon – Rupert’s previous coach and Helen’s current husband. Joining him are new actors Holly Cattle, Oliver Dench, Amanda Lawrence, Bobby Lockwood, Eliot Salt, Maxim Ays, and Jonny Weldon.

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You can now watch season 1 of Rivals on Disney+. A monthly subscription costs £4.99, or you can get a full year for £79.90. Season 2 will premiere on May 15th.

Authors

Morgan CormackDrama Writer

Morgan Cormack writes about TV and streaming drama for TopMob. Before that, she was an Entertainment Writer at Stylist. She also has experience in content marketing and freelancing, and holds a degree in English Literature.

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2026-05-06 16:34