Aidan Turner and Alex Hassell share jokes and cigarettes on the set of Rivals 2 as David Tennant’s villain seeks revenge
RIVALS stars Aidan Turner and Alex Hassell shared jokes and cigarettes on set for series two.
Based on Jilly Cooper’s 1988 novel, the raunchy period drama launched on Disney+ last year to great success.
Filming for series two is underway and the two actors were all smiles in photos from the set.
David Tennant, who plays villain Lord Tony Baddingham, was also seen on set.
The ensemble cast also includes Danny Dyer, Katherine Parkinson and Emily Atack
Following the original book, the first series of Rivals was set in the fictional county of Rutshire in the ’80s.
It saw long-held grudges bubble to the surface as characters vied for business and each others’ affections in the cut-throat world of telly execs.
Series two will comprise 12 episodes altogether – marking an increase of four.
The Sun previously reported how execs commissioned the show for a second outing before series one even debuted.
Viewers tuned into the show in droves as they raved about the racy action in both the bedroom and boardroom.
After the jaw-dropping cliffhanger ending, many viewers eagerly waited to watch more on Disney+.
Fans soon flocked to social media to share their appreciation for the show.
One penned: “Episode one done. It’s magnificent! Well done @DisneyPlus and Dame Jilly. #Rivals.”
Another wrote: “I f*****g love #rivals on #DisneyPlus so glad it hasn’t disappointed me as it is my favourite book ever (and no I’m not embarrassed to admit it).”
While a third remarked: “#rivals everything I expected and more! 80s hair, music and debauchery! I love it!”
A fourth chimed in: “Im loving this show!!! #rivals #hulu.”
Rivals: The Cast
An ensemble of stars make up the huge cast of the hit Disney+ show Rivals.
Alex Hassell – Rupert Campbell-Black (A retired Olympian show jumper who is now a Tory MP and sports minister)
David Tennant – Lord Baddingham (The managing director of Corinium Television)
Aidan Turner – Declan O’Hara (Former BBC journalist who is lured over to Corinium)
Victoria Smurfit – Maud O’Hara (Declan’s wretched wife and a former actress)
Nafessa Williams – Cameron Cook (No-nonsense American TV producer who works for Corinium)
Bella Maclean – Agatha ‘Taggie’ O’Hara (Eldest daughter of Declan and Maud who wants to own her own catering business)
Katherine Parkinson – Lizzie Vereker (A romance author and resident of Rutshire)
Oliver Chris – James Vereker (TV host at Corinium and Lizzie’s self-absorbed husband)
Danny Dyer – Freddie Jones (Self-made successful electronics businessman and resident in Rutshire)
Lisa McGrillis – Valerie Jones (Freddie’s wife who is a notorious social climber)
Emily Atack – Sarah Stratton (The second wife of MP Paul Stratton, who wants to become a TV presenter)
Rufus Jones – Paul Stratton (British MP going through a mid-life crisis)
Claire Rushbrook – Monica, Lady Baddingham (Tony’s wife)
Luke Pasqualino – Basil ‘Bas’ Baddingham (Tony’s younger and promiscuous half-brother)
Gary Lamont – Charles Fairburn (Controller of programmes at Corinium)
Author Dame Jilly Cooper said previously: “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.”
She added: “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!”
Rivals airs on Disney+.