Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 5, 2025 · Entertainment

Rivals Returns: Shocking Spoiler Revealed as David Tennant's Tony Baddingham Makes Triumphant Comeback!

Nafessa Williams, who plays Cameron Cook in the period drama, was dressed in a pale blue robe as she was pictured on set filming Rivals series two on Wednesday

Rivals is Back and More Scandalous Than Ever!

The wait is finally over, folks! Rivals, the sizzling period drama that had us all hooked last year, is returning for a second series and it's going to be bigger and juicier than ever! With filming underway in the picturesque countryside of Gloucestershire and Somerset, we've got the scoop on what's in store for our favorite characters.

First, let's talk about the major spoiler that has left fans gasping for air. David Tennant, who plays the dashing Lord Tony Baddingham, was thought to have met his maker at the end of series one after being hit on the head by Cameron Cook (played by Nafessa Williams). But don't worry, he's back and better than ever! We caught a glimpse of him on set, sporting a rather fetching scar on his head. And let me tell you, he's still got it!

In a shock turn of events, David Tennant (Lord Tony Baddingham) is back as he was pictured on set filming scenes with a huge scar on his head - following his near fatal blow

But what does this mean for the plot? Well, our sources close to the production reveal that David's character is indeed returning, and in a big way. It seems that Tony's return will send shockwaves through the cutthroat world of television, where Rupert Campbell-Black (played by Alex Hassell) has been busy blackmailing his way to the top.

Meanwhile, Nafessa Williams was spotted on set alongside her co-stars Aidan Turner and Alex Hassell, all of whom are reprising their roles in the new series. We got a peek at some behind-the-scenes fun, with the trio enjoying a cigarette-filled laugh-a-thon while filming a pivotal scene. And let's just say, it looks like things are about to get very interesting indeed!

But don't just take our word for it! The official Disney+ account dropped a major hint last month when they shared a photo of David's name card and script at a table read. Captioned "Did someone ask for a Rivals update?", it was clear that the cat was out of the bag.

Co-stars Aidan Turner (Declan O' Hara) and Alex Hassell (Rupert Campbell-Black) were seen in fits of laughter while puffing on a cigarette (Aidan, left, Alex, right)

Fans have been eagerly awaiting the news of a second series since the first one ended on a cliffhanger, with many taking to social media to express their excitement. And we're not surprised - after all, who wouldn't want more of the saucy shenanigans and A-list cameos that made Rivals such a hit in the first place?

So what can you expect from series two? Well, for starters, it's going to be bigger and bolder than ever. We're talking 12 episodes instead of eight, with even more drama, romance, and intrigue packed into each one. And don't worry, our favorite characters are back in all their glory - including Bella Maclean as the lovable Agatha Taggie O'Hara, and Danny Dyer as the dashing Freddie Jones.

And if you thought the news of a second series couldn't get any better, think again! The cast and crew have been hard at work behind the scenes to bring us more of Jilly Cooper's beloved world. As executive producer Dame Jilly herself puts it, "I'm utterly sex-static filming for the second season is upon us... It was magical working with Happy Prince and Disney+ on the first season and seeing everyone fall head over heels for my beloved characters."

It appears the storyline is indeed following the book as David sensationally returns to the series

So what are you waiting for? Mark your calendars for the return of Rivals, because we can't wait to dive back into the world of Rutshire and see what mischief our favorite characters get up to next!

EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS

We've got an exclusive look at the cast in action on set, including Nafessa Williams as Cameron Cook and Aidan Turner as Declan O'Hara. But be warned - there's nothing subtle about these snaps! We're talking full-on drama, romance, and intrigue packed into each photo.

David was seen with a massive scar on the side of his head - using SPX makeup - following the shock blow to head last series

CUT TO THE CHASE

The renewal of Rivals was confirmed back in December 2024, but we didn't know much about what to expect from series two. That is until now - with a first look at the new series shared on social media, it's clear that things are about to get very interesting indeed!

FANS REACT

The final episode saw Doctor Who star David's character struggle with Cameron in dramatic scenes and was hit on the head, seemingly killed and giving rival Rupert the opportunity to blackmail

We took to social media to get the scoop from fans, and the excitement was palpable! "We're so ready my favorite cast," one fan gushed. Another chimed in with "Cannot wait" while a third exclaimed "I'm up. I'm awake. I'm crying. I'm excited".

WHAT'S NEXT?

So what's on the horizon for Rivals series two? Stay tuned to TheScholarlyNote.com for all the latest updates, spoilers, and behind-the-scenes gossip. And don't forget to follow us on social media for even more exclusive content!

Fans will be pleased to see David on set filming for the new series after fears the hit on his head was a fatal blow

RUTSHIRE HERE WE COME!

As executive director of scripted content for Disney+, Lee Mason puts it best: "It's a real privilege to have this phenomenal team back together for season two of Rivals... From the exceptional cast, the remarkable creative team behind the camera – including the one and only Dame Jilly Cooper. Disney+ audiences are in for an absolute treat."

Disney+ teased the happy news of Tony's return last month, sharing an Instagram snap of David's name card and script at a table read

David made a shock return to set following months of speculation whether his character is dead or alive

The story is set in 1986 and follows the cut throat world of television, including the tense rivalry between Rupert Campbell-Black and Lord Tony Baddingham (David)

The period drama - which is based on author Jilly Cooper's novel of the same name - premiered in the UK on streaming service Disney+, as well as in the US on Hulu back in 2024

Aidan was all smiles to be back filming

He and his co-star Alex couldn't stop laughing in between takes

Rivals fans previously begged Disney+ for a second series of the saucy show after binge watching all it's eight episodes in a matter of days but were forced to wait months until the news was officially confirmed

Last month Disney+ confirmed that Rivals will return for a second series after its huge success last year - and they have treated fans to an extra four episodes

The cast of rivals was back filming at the iconic castle

Many have rushed to the comments section on the post to share their excitement at the upcoming second series