Rivals ended the first half of its second season with a spectacular, top-tier episode that (forgive the pun) rivals anything that has come before. If you need convincing of that – though we trust you won't – here's why.
Season two has been chockablock with drama, but episode six really took the golden gauntlet with the sorrowful demise of a fabulous character who had only just managed to find the courage they needed to live life on their own terms (SPOILERS BELOW).
We are, of course, talking about Lady Monica Baddingham (aka badass-Baddingham as we are now calling her). Claire Rushbrook's stunning performance will outlive the swinging dicks that kicked off the season – not only because she was phenomenal but also because she pushed Tony (David Tennant) to his most vulnerable brink and we sure look forward to how that will all unfold.
Rivals truly left things on a tantalising note just before taking a hiatus. But for how long?
When will fans of this deliciously devilish and scandalous soapy revenge drama be reunited with the raunchy, ruthless inhabitants of Rutshire?
Here's what we know about the return of Rivals season two, part two.
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When will Rivals season 2 episode 7 be released?
Rivals' fans are in for a bit of a wait as part two of Disney+'s revenge drama isn't set to return until November 2026. The streamer has confirmed that the "second batch of episodes" will land this autumn, suggesting that the remaining six episodes could arrive all in one go instead of weekly, though an official release schedule hasn't been confirmed. An exact release date has also not been confirmed.
We, like you, are eagerly anticipating an update with more exact return details, so as soon as we find out we'll let you know. Watch this space!
What will happen in Rivals season 2 part 2?
Along with the news that Rivals season two part two will return in November, Disney+ shared a brief overview of what to expect from the back half of the season. "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," shared the streamer.
Disney+ has also dropped an official teaser trailer for the second batch of episodes, offering – what the streamer details – "an irresistible glimpse of the drama still to come in season two.
"As Tony Baddingham and Declan O'Hara's (Aidan Turner) contest for the Cotswolds crown hits a fever pitch, Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) is forced to confront his own personal demons."
It continues: "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 (Bella Maclean) 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."
The sneak peek also reveals new cast member Rachael Stirling in the role of Lady Monica Baddingham's "vampish younger sister" Araminta Pemberton. She will be joined by Rupert Evans, who plays the "erudite headmaster" David Hawkley, as well as Santiago Cabrera as Argentinian Polo legend Alejandro Mendoza.
Hayley Atwell will also be back as Rupert's ex-wife Helen Gordon, alongside Rupert Everett as Malise Gordon.
Rivals is available to stream on Disney+ now.
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TV writer, Digital Spy Janet completed her Masters degree in Magazine Journalism in 2013 and has continued to grow professionally within the industry ever since. For six years she honed her analytical reviewing skills at the Good Housekeeping institute eventually becoming Acting Head of Food testing. She also freelanced in the field of film and TV journalism from 2013-2020, when she interviewed A-List stars such as Samuel L Jackson, Colin Firth and Scarlett Johansson. In 2021 she joined Digital Spy as TV writer where she gets to delve into more of what she loves, watching copious amounts of telly all in the name of work. Since taking on the role she has conducted red carpet interviews with the cast of Bridgerton, covered the BAFTAs and been interviewed by BBC Radio and London Live. In her spare time she also moonlights as a published author, the book Gothic Angel.
