New 'Rivals' Trailer Teases Scandal and Romance as Series Returns

The second season of "Rivals" is set to return on November 11, with a new trailer offering a glimpse into the upcoming episodes filled with scandal, romance, and intense rivalries among the residents of Rutshire. The trailer for episodes 7-12 picks up following the mid-season finale and the unexpected death of Monica Baddingham, played by Claire Rushbrook.

David Tennant's character, Tony Baddingham, is shown engaging in a heated franchise war with Declan O'Hara, portrayed by Aidan Turner. Despite the recent tragedy, Tony appears driven by revenge, declaring he has "nothing left to do but fight." His affair with Maud O'Hara, played by Victoria Smurfit, continues, even as she questions if Monica's death was "all our fault."

Meanwhile, Danny Dyer's character, Freddie Jones, navigates a complex romantic life, balancing his affair with Lizzie Vereker (Katherine Parkinson) while still married to Valerie (Lisa McGrillis). The trailer also teases a potential happy ending for Taggie (Bella Maclean) and Rupert (Alex Hassell), culminating in a firework night kiss.

The drama unfolds against the backdrop of the 1987 party season, featuring scenes from Bonfire Night, the Hampshire Hunt Ball, and a turbulent Christmas. New cast members joining the series include Rachael Stirling as Araminta Pemberton, Rupert Evans as headmaster David Hawkley, and Santiago Cabrera as polo player Alejandro Mendoza.

The first three of the remaining six episodes will be released on November 11, followed by weekly releases of the subsequent episodes. The series, based on Dame Jilly Cooper's 1988 novel, initially debuted on Disney+ in October 2024 and was quickly renewed for a second season. Viewers experienced a hiatus between the first half of the second season, which concluded on a cliffhanger with Lady Monica's death during a storm, and the upcoming second part.