Dyer braves Cotswolds chill for 'Rivals' bonkbuster

On a freezing November evening, actor Danny Dyer prepares for a night of filming the second season of 'Rivals' in the Cotswolds, highlighting the cast's need for warmth.

The adaptation of Jilly Cooper's novel, which previously won an International Emmy for best drama, is filming a bonfire scene at Chavenage House. This Elizabethan manor is where Aidan Turner's character, Declan O'Hara, resides, and coincidentally, it was also the filming location for Turner's breakthrough role as Poldark.

David Tennant, portraying Lord Baddingham, attributes the first season's success to its 'delicious' characters and 'juicy' scenarios. He hints that his character will engage in 'terrible' and 'despicable' actions in the upcoming season, including something 'nefarious' outdoors.

Danny Dyer reflects on his character Freddie Jones being declared a sex symbol, attributing it to the character's kindness and working-class essence rather than his appearance. He expresses a desire to see his top lip again after months of wearing a moustache for the role.

Victoria Smurfit notes the increased ambition for season two, describing it as 'bigger, bolder... Bonkier!', with an expanded 12 episodes. Bella Maclean also observes the show's heightened scale and emotional depth, feeling it is 'more Rivals-y'.

Alex Hassell, playing Rupert Campbell-Black, is surprised by the show's TikTok popularity among Gen Z, particularly the 'yearning' between his character and Taggie. He discusses how younger audiences question the problematic portrayal of consent.

Sadly, author Jilly Cooper, who was deeply involved in approving scripts for the second season, passed away earlier last year. Lisa McGrillis recalls a garden party with Cooper just weeks before her death, remembering her as 'full of life and mischief' and excited for the new series.

As filming commences with pyrotechnics and fireworks, there is potential for the show to continue, given Cooper's 11-book series. Dyer hopes his character's moustache might be removed if a third season is commissioned, a prospect he eagerly anticipates to 'get his head back'. Rivals series two is set to premiere on Disney+ on Friday, May 15.