"Bigger, Naughtier, Bolder, Sexier — Everything" | Rivals Writer Laura Wade on a Saucy Season 2

Writer Laura Wade spoke to HeyUGuys at the Rivals Season 2 SXSW London Premiere at the Barbican, London, and offered a rare and revelatory window into what it feels like to craft a sequel that the whole world is waiting for. In an effervescent and insightful conversation, Wade revealed the writers' room philosophy behind going bigger, bolder and considerably naughtier in season two, described the table read of episode six as a genuine career highlight, and confirmed that — with Jilly Cooper's blessing — the second half of the season will take the characters into territory that goes beyond the book entirely. Interviews for Rivals Season 2 at the SXSW London Premiere at the Barbican, London. The series stars David Tennant, Alex Hassell, Aidan Turner, Nafessa Williams, Bella Maclean, Katherine Parkinson, Danny Dyer, Victoria Smurfit, Claire Rushbrook, Oliver Chris, Lisa McGrillis, Emily Atack, Rufus Jones, Luca Pasqualino, Catriona Chandler, Annabel Scholey, Gary Lamont, Hubert Burton, Gabriel Tierney, Lara Peake, Bryony Hannah, Hayley Atwell and Rupert Everett; it was written by Dominic Treadwell-Collins and Laura Wade and directed by Elliot Hegarty, Jamie J Johnson and Dee Koppang O'Leary. Colin Hart and Abigail Shii ask the questions. Plot: As the battle for the Central South West television franchise reaches boiling point, Lord Tony Baddingham grows more ruthless than ever — weaponising scandal and manipulating those closest to him to maintain his grip on power. Set against the shimmering excess of 1980s Britain, marriages fracture under ambition, illicit affairs threaten to detonate families, and long-buried secrets ignite with devastating consequences. Loyalties bend, hearts splinter, and the question hangs in the air: what is the true cost of war? Rivals Season 2 will be available on Disney+ from 15th May 2026. #RivalsSeason2 #Rivals #LauraWade #SXSWLondon #HeyUGuys #DisneyPlus #JillyCooper #Hulu #TVDrama #RedCarpet --------------------- For syndication or usage opportunities please contact [email protected]. --------------------- More from HeyUGuys: Website ► http://HeyUGuys.com Follow us on Twitter ► http://twitter.com/HeyUGuys Subscribe here! ► http://bit.ly/HeyUGuysYTSub Facebook ► http://facebook.com/HeyUGuys Instagram ► http://instagram.com/HeyUGuysOfficial TikTok ► https://www.tiktok.com/@heyuguysofficial ---------------------