Rivals 'is set for a third series that will be raunchier than ever' ahead of the second season premiere

By SEAN O'GRADY, SENIOR SHOWBUSINESS REPORTER Published: 00:13, 8 April 2026 | Updated: 09:17, 8 April 2026 Rivals has reportedly been renewed for a third series that will be raunchier than ever. The Disney+ series, based on Jilly Cooper's novel of the same name, became an instant hit when it debuted in 2024.  A second series is due to air in May and Disney are said to be so confident it will do well that talks of a third series have already begun.  The third instalment of the show would be based on Jilly's 1991 novel Polo, the third book in her Rutshire Chronicles. A source told The Sun: 'It's not clear yet if the next series will still be called Rivals or flip to become Polo, or perhaps another title altogether. 'Either way, Disney are so confident the second series will be as well received as the debut season they already have wheels in motion on the third. Rivals has reportedly been renewed for a third series that will be raunchier than ever (Aidan Turner pictured) 'Fans will be delighted to know that almost all the characters in Rivals also appear in Polo — and the follow-up novel is just as steamy as its predecessor, if not more so.' Filming for the third series could begin later this year and would likely air in late 2027 or early 2028. Daily Mail has contacted Disney+ for comment.  It comes after Rivals star Katherine Parkinson shared the cast's devastated reaction to the death of Dame Jilly Cooper midway through filming. Dame Jilly had been heavily involved in the production of the series, including overseeing the writing of the scripts, and joining the cast of the big-budget 80s show on set. Speaking to Daily Mail at the Royal Television Society Programme Awards, she added that the cast hope the second series will 'do Jilly justice.' Ms Parkinson said: 'It was a real shock. Obviously she was, whatever age she was, it was a real shock and everyone was really quite stunned by it. 'But I think that we just want the show to do her justice even more than before, and I think it will, and we've got 12 episodes, and I'm really excited for you all to see.' Disney+ series, based on Jilly Cooper's novel of the same name, became an instant hit when it debuted in 2003 (Victoria Smurfit pictured) Turn up the heat or tone it down - what should the next series do? What's your view?In February, Disney dropped a first look at the hotly-anticipated second series. The trailer showcases the five main characters, including Tennant's Lord Tony Baddingham, the ruthless managing director of television company Corinium – and Ms Atack's rising TV star Sarah Stratton. Then there's antagonist and long-standing enemy of Baddingham, Rupert Campbell-Black, a retired Olympic show-jumper turned Tory MP, played by Alex Hassell. Declan O'Hara, played by Poldark's Aidan Turner, the ex-BBC journalist who got poached by Corinium, and Nafessa Williams' Cameron Cook, an American TV-producer, also return. The main line-up is completed by Sex Education's Bella Maclean as Taggie O'Hara. In the final episode of series one, Lord Baddingham was left for dead after being struck on the head with a trophy during an explosive confrontation with Cameron Cook. But the trailer has confirmed he's alive and well – and back 'at war' with his TV rival Campbell-Black. The synopsis teases: 'The battle for the Central South West television franchise reaches a fever pitch as the war between Corinium and Venturer enters a dangerous new phase. 'More ruthless than ever, Tony Baddingham is determined to dismantle his rivals piece-by-piece, weaponising scandal and manipulating those closest to him to maintain his grip on power. 'Amidst the hedonistic glamour of 80s excess, the personal lives of our Rutshire heroes spiral into chaos. 'Marriages fracture under the weight of ambition, illicit affairs threaten to shatter families, and long-buried secrets ignite with explosive consequences. 'As rivalries push everyone to the brink, loyalties are tested and hearts are broken in the pursuit of victory. But what is the true cost of war?' 'The naughtiest show on television returns,' Disney+ added under the trailer, confirming its release date for May 15. The comments below have not been moderated. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.