Rivals season 2 confirms when new episodes will air after shocking cliffhanger – and fans are in for a wait

*Warning – contains major spoilers for Rivals season 2 episode 6.*

The sixth episode of Rivals season 2 took a turn for the tragic, as Claire Rushbrook’s Lady Monica Baddingham died after a tree hit her car in a storm.

She had been driving Declan and Maud’s daughter Caitlin home, and also planned to tell Declan what she had discovered earlier that day – that her husband Tony had been having an affair with Maud. She had already announced her plans to leave Tony, making her sudden death all the more tragic.

It was certainly a dark note to end the first half of the season on, and fans are now desperate to see how things progress in episodes 7 to 12.

Well, we’ve got good news and bad news. The good news is that a first-look trailer has now been unveiled, teasing what is left to come in the second half of the season.

The bad news is that fans have a wait on their hands, as it has now been confirmed that part 2 won’t debut until November 2026.

You can watch the trailer right here now.

As well as teasing all of this action, the trailer has also revealed a new cast member, with Rachael Stirling (Believe Me) playing Monica’s younger sister Araminta Pemberton.

And it has been confirmed that the new episodes will see the introduction of Rupert Evans (Gone) as headmaster David Hawkley and Santiago Cabrera (Big Little Lies) as Argentine Polo legend Alejandro Mendoza too.

An early synopsis for season 2 part 2 reads: “Following a shocking turn of events in the sixth episode, the residents of Rutshire are rocked by tragedy, scandal and betrayal as the battle between Venturer and Corinium reaches breaking point.

“As Tony Baddingham and Declan O’Hara’s contest for the Cotswolds crown hits a fever pitch, Rupert Campbell-Black is forced to confront his own personal demons. Across hedonistic parties, Bonfire Night chaos, the Hampshire Hunt Ball and a turbulent Christmas, affairs unravel, alliances fracture and rivalries intensify.

“Caught in the middle of the frenzied franchise battle, Taggie O’Hara must find the courage to follow her heart while everyone else faces the consequences of ambition, power and secrets that they can no longer hide.”

Rivals is available to stream on Disney+. Season 2 premiered on Friday 15 May 2026 and will continue in November. Sign-up to Disney+ from £5.99 a month.

Add Rivals to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.