Rutshire is expanding and this second season of Rivals sees some new faces join the close-knit county.
It was previously announced that Hayley Atwell and Rupert Everett would be joining the cast for season 2, both as significant characters from Rupert’s (Alex Hassell) past. Well, it turns out that neither have particularly positive feelings towards Rupert, according to series star Alex Hassell.
When asked how Atwell and Everett slot into Rupert’s story this season, Hassell told Radio Times: “Hayley plays Helen Gordon, Rupert’s ex-wife and Malice, Rupert Everett, is his ex showjumping mentor who is now married to Helen. They both have really strong, fairly negative feelings towards him but also, some protective feelings towards him as well.”
Hassell continued: “He’s really, really hurt their feelings many, many times and I think they’re at the end of the their tether. Rupert’s children are also in it which I think brings a whole other level to his character.
“He’s trying to confront past mistakes and reckon with them, potentially atone for them – but it’s not a straight path.”
As we’ve seen throughout season 1, Rupert is one of the most desirable men in Rutshire, forging a new political career after wooing women as a show-jumper and continuing to be the talk of the town. However, teaming up with Declan (Aidan Turner) to helm new TV franchise, Venturer, hasn’t been the most smoothest of missions, particularly because it was clear he was starting to carry a torch for Declan’s daughter Taggie (Bella Maclean).
Things left on a hopeful note for the pair at the end of season 1 as they finally confessed their feelings for one another and kissed – something fans had been waiting for. But with tensions set to continue to rise in season 2, what exactly could that spell for the romantics?
Read more:
- Off Campus creator and cast talk comparisons to smash hit Heated Rivalry
- Harry Potter, Doctor Who and James Bond favourites to star in new Channel 4 thriller “packed with twists and turns”
The official synopsis for season 2 reads: “The battle for the Central South West television franchise reaches a fever pitch as the war between Corinium and Venturer enters a dangerous new phase.
“More ruthless than ever, Tony Baddingham is determined to dismantle his rivals piece-by-piece, weaponising scandal and manipulating those closest to him to maintain his grip on power.”
It continues: “Amidst the hedonistic glamour of 80s excess, the personal lives of our Rutshire heroes spiral into chaos. Marriages fracture under the weight of ambition, illicit affairs threaten to shatter families, and long-buried secrets ignite with explosive consequences.
“As rivalries push everyone to the brink, loyalties are tested and hearts are broken in the pursuit of victory. But what is the true cost of war?”
Want to see this content?
This page contains content provided by Google reCAPTCHA. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Google reCAPTCHA may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose ‘Accept and continue’ to allow Google reCAPTCHA and its required purposes.
Rivals is available to stream on Disney+. Season 2 premieres on Friday 15 May 2026. 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.
