Rivals makes huge season 2 cast announcement as two British A-listers join Disney+ show

Rivals’ second season has added several new names to the already stellar cast, including two massive movie stars.

The popular drama about dishy MP Rupert Campbell-Black (played by Alex Hassell) and his feud with TV studio director Tony, Lord Baddingham (David Tennant) became one of Disney+’s biggest hits of last year.

The streamer has now announced that movie stars Hayley Atwell (Mission: Impossible) and Rupert Everett (Napoleon) will make guest appearances in the second season.

They will be joining additional season two cast members Maxim Ays, Holly Cattle, Oliver Dench, Amanda Lawrence, Bobby Lockwood, Eliot Salt, and Jonny Weldon.

Season two is currently in production with a projected release date of late 2025 or early 2026.

READ MORE: Yellowstone’s Luke Grimes worlds away from Kayce in ‘best film of the year’ out this weekend

READ MORE: Disney+ sets free streaming date for Marvel’s ‘best movie of 2025’ - and it’s not Fantastic Four

Atwell will have an intriguing dynamic with Rupert as she’s portraying Helen Gordon, his ex-wife and the mother of their two children, Marcus and Tabitha.

Meanwhile, Everett will portray Helen’s new husband Malise Gordon, who also happens to be Rupert’s former show-jumping mentor.

They are currently listed as guest stars so it’s unknown how many episodes of the new season they’ll be appearing in.

Executive Director of Scripted Originals for EMEA Disney+ Lee Mason said: “Rivals is a landmark series for Disney+, quickly becoming one of our most beloved British UK Orginal dramas.

“I'm delighted to welcome Hayley and Rupert to our extraordinary family of actors. They are a perfect match for the world of Rutshire, so lovingly created by Dame Jilly and the team at Happy Prince.”

And Dominic Treadwell-Collins, Chief Creative Officer of Rivals’ production studio Happy Prince, added: “We are utterly thrilled to have Hayley and Rupert join us to play Jilly Cooper's legendary characters Helen and Malise Gordon.

“Alongside our other new wonderful actors and truly brilliant returning cast, Rivals series two absolutely showcases the best of British and Irish talent. With further exciting guest stars to be announced, we can’t wait for everyone to see what’s next for the residents of Rutshire.”

Not only will season two include two exciting new guest stars, fans can also look forward to an extended outing of a whopping 12 episodes.

Also expected to make a return from season one are Aidan Turner, Victoria Smurfit, Nafessa Williams and Danny Dyer.

Rivals is available to stream on Disney+.