Rivals author excited over TV show's return

Dame Jilly Cooper has "adored" seeing the world fall in love with her characters, 40 years after the release of her novel

Rivals author Dame Jilly Cooper said she was excited a television show based on her novel would be returning as working on the first series was "a fairytale come true".

Disney+ renewed Rivals for a second series after the first, based on the second novel in Dame Jilly's book series the Rutshire Chronicles, received widespread acclaim from critics and the public.

The raunchy eight-part series, released in October, features several famous faces, including Doctor Who star David Tennant, and former EastEnders actor Danny Dyer.

It is set in the Cotswolds, where Dame Jilly is a resident, and London.

"I've adored seeing the world fall in love with my beloved characters - Rutshire's finest," said the author.

She wrote Rivals, which depicts a ruthless world of independent television in 1986, nearly 40 years ago.

It follows the rivalry between Rupert Campbell-Black, played by TV and theatre star Alex Hassell, and Tony Baddingham, played by Tennant.

"It has been a fairytale come true working with Happy Prince and Disney+ on the first season," said Dame Jilly.

"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."

After series one ended on a cliffhanger, Lee Mason, executive director of scripted originals at EMEA Disney+, said it was "this autumn's most talked about series".

David Tennant plays Lord Tony Baddingham, the controller of regional TV network Corinium, in Rivals

"We're thrilled that existing fans of the novels, alongside those new to the Cooperverse, have taken the series to their heart," Mr Mason said.

He added he hoped season two would bring "more romance, betrayal, and shoulder pads".

Dominic Treadwell-Collins and Alexander Lamb, chief creative officer and creative director of production company Happy Prince, said the "love" they had received from viewers after series one had been "magical".

"The Rivals team set out to create people's favourite television show, something enduring that our audience would take to their hearts and watch and re-watch.

"We're delighted that we're returning to Rutshire with Jilly and Disney+. It's a special place to be."

Rivals series two will air on Disney+ in the UK and internationally.