Disney+ has officially confirmed a third series for its adaptation of Jilly Cooper's novel, Rivals. The announcement, made on Tuesday, 16th June, comes just under two weeks after the show's mid-season finale left viewers reeling from a significant plot twist. While details for the third series remain largely under wraps, Disney+ has teased that it will delve deeper into the established rivalries, promising new romances, rekindled old flames, and shocking secrets.
The current focus for many fans, however, remains on the conclusion of the second series. The first half of series two culminated in a devastating cliffhanger: the unexpected death of Monica Baddingham, portrayed by Claire Rushbrook. Her character discovered her husband, Lord Tony Baddingham (David Tennant), had been unfaithful once again, this time with her friend and neighbour, Maud O'Hara (Victoria Smurfit). Monica's tragic end, struck by a fallen tree during a blizzard after vowing to embrace life, has left audiences eager to see the aftermath.
Claire Rushbrook, reflecting on her role as Monica, shared her affection for the character and the experience on the Rivals podcast. She highlighted the enjoyment of embodying Monica's distinctive style and the challenge the role presented, expressing gratitude for the support from her fellow cast members. Her performance in the mid-season finale has been noted by some as particularly impactful, potentially catching the eye of BAFTA voters.
For those eagerly anticipating the resolution of these dramatic events, the wait continues. The second half of series two, which will include episode 7 and the subsequent episodes, is slated for release on Disney+ in November. This will explore the fallout from Monica's death and the evolving dynamics among the colourful residents of the fictional county of Rutshire, including the ongoing fierce rivalry between Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) and Lord Tony Baddingham.
Rivals is based on Jilly Cooper's popular 'Rutshire Chronicles' series, known for its opulent settings, passionate affairs, and sharp social commentary. The show's ability to translate Cooper's distinctive tone and character-driven drama has been central to its appeal among UK audiences, many of whom are long-standing fans of the original novels.