Word has begun to swirl around Disney+’s hit drama Rivals—and this time it has nothing to do with the wild storylines that made the show such a breakout success.
Instead, it’s the behaviour happening away from the lights and cameras that has everyone talking.
A Production Turning Heads for the Wrong Reasons
While the second season films in the Cotswolds, insiders say the off-duty atmosphere has gone far beyond a harmless cast bonding session.
The 1980s-set series, inspired by Jilly Cooper’s famously saucy novel, apparently isn’t the only place where things get racy.
According to reports, some members of the roughly 100-person team have been partying hard—really hard.
We’re talking late-night boozy gatherings, trailers turning into after-hours dens, and cocaine use between scenes.
It’s important to note there’s no suggestion that any of the main stars were involved.
A Flirty Encounter That Crossed a Line
One source even claimed that an actress became so overly flirty with a crew member that he eventually begged her to tone it down to protect his marriage.
The production base at The Hare & Hounds near Tetbury is said to have morphed into their unofficial hangout, described as a nightly “knees-up” with plenty of chaos.
When the Party Shows Up on Set
The insider didn’t mince words: the behind-the-scenes antics supposedly made the show’s script look tame.
They alleged that some crew would party all night, then arrive on set still buzzing.
One performer was reportedly sent home after turning up with “wild” eyes from the night before.
Disney has been contacted for comment.
Rivals’ Big Return
Despite the drama, production on the new season is powering ahead.
Disney+ had already confirmed earlier this year that the show would be coming back—this time with a bigger run of 12 episodes, up from the original eight.
Fans will be thrilled to hear that David Tennant is officially returning as Lord Tony Baddingham, despite the character being left for dead in the season one cliffhanger.
Other favourites are also back: Alex Hassell, Aidan Turner, Nafessa Williams, Bella Maclean, Emily Atack, Danny Dyer, Katherine Parkinson, and several more.
A Farewell to Jilly Cooper
The return of Rivals has been bittersweet.
Author Dame Jilly Cooper, whose book inspired the series, sadly passed away on October 5 at age 88 after a fall at her Gloucestershire home.
Remarkably, she had visited the set just two days earlier.
Filming paused after the news, but the cast have since returned to work with a renewed sense of purpose.
Alex Hassell shared that the team hopes the new season will serve as a heartfelt tribute to her.
Her Impact on the Series
Alex previously thanked Jilly publicly, crediting her with changing his life when she entrusted him with the lead role.
He explained that she remained deeply involved in shaping the adaptation—approving changes, offering guidance, and ensuring her characters felt true to her vision.
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