Disney+’s sultry period drama RIVALS has captivated audiences with its delicious blend of 1980s nostalgia and steamy storytelling, with confirmation of a second season sending fans into a frenzy. The adaptation of Dame Jilly Cooper’s beloved 1988 novel has proven to be the “bonkbuster” of the year, aching with old-fashioned small screen sex appeal that viewers simply can’t get enough of.

At the heart of the series stands Aidan Turner as the dishy Irish TV presenter Declan O’Hara, who found himself entangled in the cutthroat world of independent television during the Thatcher era when recruited by the scheming Lord Baddingham, portrayed with delightful menace by David Tennant. Turner’s career renaissance continues with this role, following his critically acclaimed performances in POLDARK and LEONARDO, cementing his status as television’s go-to leading man for period dramas that combine substance with smoldering intensity.

The excitement for RIVALS‘ return recently amplified when series star Danny Dyer, who plays self-made businessman Freddie Jones, shared a promising production update during the Royal Television Society Programme Awards. “We’re on the eve of starting the second series,” Dyer revealed on March 25, humorously adding details about improvements to his character’s appearance: “The old ‘tache is on its way back. I’ve got a better wig which I’m excited about.” His co-star Katherine Parkinson echoed this enthusiasm, noting that with the second series, “[Dyer’s] had some more money spent on him.”

This production update follows executive producer Dominic Treadwell-Collins’ January confirmation that writing for the new season was officially underway, sharing a photo of himself with fellow producers posing alongside a cardboard cutout of Turner. While specific plot details remain scarce, fans can anticipate resolution to Tony’s fate—the only character whose storyline was left dangling at the first season’s conclusion.

Turner is expected to return alongside the impressive ensemble cast including Dyer, Parkinson, Tennant, Victoria Smurfit, Nafessa Williams, Bella Maclean, Claire Rushbrook, Emily Atack, Catriona Chandler, Oliver Chris, Rufus Jones, Lisa McGrillis, and Luke Pasqualino. Williams’ character, the glamorous American TV producer Cameron Cook, provided an intriguing foil to Turner’s O’Hara in the first season, with their initial antagonism developing into a more complex dynamic.

Dame Jilly Cooper herself, serving as executive producer, expressed unbridled enthusiasm about the renewal: “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.” While no premiere date has been announced, production appears to be moving forward with momentum that mirrors the show’s passionate fanbase.

For Turner, RIVALS represents another triumph in a career trajectory that has skillfully balanced commercial appeal with artistic integrity. His portrayal of O’Hara—passionate, principled, yet flawed—has added another memorable character to his increasingly impressive portfolio, further establishing him as one of the most compelling actors of his generation. As cameras prepare to roll on season two, all eyes will be on Turner to see how he further develops this character within Cooper’s deliciously decadent world of ambition, revenge, and desire.

Anticipation mounts as Disney+ prepares to unveil its latest sensation this week. The star-studded adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s iconic 1988 novel RIVALS features Irish talents Aidan Turner and Victoria Smurfit, who recently graced the red carpet at the show’s premiere.

RIVALS plunges viewers into the cutthroat world of television, chronicling the fierce competition between the ambitious Rupert Campbell Black and the formidable Lord Tony Baddinham. Set to debut on Disney+ on October 18th, the series promises a gripping narrative of power, ambition, and rivalry.

Aidan Turner, a versatile Irish actor, brings his considerable talent to this high-profile project. Turner first captured audiences’ attention with his portrayal of the brooding vampire Mitchell in the supernatural drama BEING HUMAN (2009-2011). He then solidified his status as a leading man with his captivating performance as the titular character in the BBC’s historical drama POLDARK (2015-2019). Turner’s ability to embody complex characters with depth and charisma has established him as one of Ireland’s most compelling exports to the small screen.

With RIVALS, Turner adds another potentially career-defining role to his impressive television repertoire, which has consistently demonstrated his range and appeal across genres. As audiences eagerly await this latest offering, Turner’s involvement heightens expectations for what promises to be a must-watch series.

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The highly-anticipated RIVALS, starring Aidan Turner, has finally got a release date – and there isn’t long to wait to become embroiled in the new series. Based on Dame Jilly Cooper’s novel, the show will be released on Disney Plus on Friday 18th October! The eight-part series is packed “full of romantic entanglements, dastardly deals, sex and wit”, and centres around the ruthless world of independent TV in the ’80s.

Watch Trailer