The cast of Rivals reunited in London to celebrate the launch of the drama’s second season, with stars praising the close-knit atmosphere behind the scenes that has helped fuel the show’s popularity.
Held at the BFI IMAX in Waterloo, the premiere brought together leading cast members including David Tennant, Danny Dyer, Emily Atack, Victoria Smurfit and Aidan Turner. The ensemble gathered to mark the return of the adaptation based on Jilly Cooper’s celebrated Rutshire Chronicles novels.
The series, known for its sharp humour, glamorous setting and provocative storylines, has built a strong fan following partly due to the natural rapport among its cast members. Many of the actors appeared together on the red carpet and reflected on how easily they reconnected when filming resumed.
Smurfit, who portrays Maud O’Hara, attended alongside co-star Claire Rushbrook. The pair described returning to set as an effortless experience, saying the atmosphere immediately felt familiar and energetic once production began again.
Smurfit also admitted the most difficult part of the process was waiting to learn whether the show would receive a second season renewal after the success of the first instalment.
Elsewhere at the premiere, actor Oliver Chris credited the cast’s off-screen friendships for the chemistry viewers see on screen. He said the ensemble genuinely enjoys spending time together and described returning for the new season as an opportunity to recreate the same excitement that made the first series resonate with audiences.
New cast member Annabel Scholey echoed those sentiments, revealing the actors remain connected through a lively group chat and regularly socialise outside work commitments.
Atack arrived at the event in a silver sculpted gown alongside on-screen husband Rufus Jones. During the premiere, Atack joked that her castmates had become part of every major milestone in her life, including her upcoming wedding to Dr Alistair Garner. Jones humorously added that attending each other’s weddings and funerals had become part of the group dynamic.
The evening also carried emotional significance following Cooper’s death in October 2025 at the age of 88. The author had remained closely involved with the television adaptation and served as an executive producer during filming for the second season.
Several cast members paid tribute to Cooper’s personality and creative influence. Rushbrook remembered her warmth and understated presence, while Smurfit described the novelist as vibrant, encouraging and full of energy.
Chris said the spirit of the production was rooted in Cooper’s imagination and enthusiasm, adding that the cast hoped to honour her legacy by preserving the magic she brought to the series.
Scholey recalled attending a garden party hosted by Cooper just weeks before her death, describing the gathering as joyful and memorable. She said the cast left with a renewed determination to ensure the new season lived up to the author’s vision and celebrated her lasting contribution to the franchise.
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Source: Owink
