Behind the scenes on Rivals season two: 'It's bigger, bolder, bonkier!'

Filming is underway for the second season of Rivals, the television adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s popular bonkbuster novel, at Chavenage House in Gloucestershire. The production has ramped up in scale and ambition following the first season’s success, which included winning the International Emmy Award for best drama. Cast members, including Danny Dyer and Aidan Turner, are preparing for challenging shoots in cold conditions, with a notable bonfire scene set to be filmed on location. Aidan Turner, who plays TV presenter Declan O'Hara, returns to Chavenage House, a location familiar from his previous role in Poldark. Despite the setting’s transformation for Rivals, Turner shared anecdotes about the set, including his insistence on removing a large "Poldark shrine" from the women's toilets. The popularity of both shows is expected to boost tourism to the historic site, with Rivals adding a new layer of interest alongside Poldark tours. David Tennant, portraying the morally ambiguous Lord Tony Baddingham, described his character’s evolution in the new series as increasingly nefarious. Tennant highlighted the show’s appeal lies in its complex characters and high-stakes drama, promising that season two will push boundaries further with more daring and scandalous storylines. His remarks hint at darker and more provocative developments that will deepen the intrigue and tension among the ensemble cast. The production’s commitment to authenticity and atmosphere is evident in the detailed period settings, including a recreated 1980s TV company office filled with era-specific props. As Rivals builds on its initial acclaim, the second season aims to deliver a bigger, bolder, and more audacious narrative, solidifying its place as a standout drama in contemporary British television.