Her Majesty The Queen Visits Bristol Set of Disney Rivals Season 2

Disney Rivals Season 2

In a rare and culturally significant moment for British television, Her Majesty The Queen visited the Bristol set of Rivals, the Emmy and BAFTA award-winning Disney+ drama based on Dame Jilly Cooper’s beloved 1988 novel. The visit took place at The Bottle Yard’s TBY2 Studios, where production is well underway for the highly anticipated second season, set to debut in 2026.

Rivals—produced by Happy Prince (part of ITV Studios)—has become one of the UK’s most compelling literary adaptations, bringing Cooper’s iconic world of sex, scandal, and social rivalry in the fictional county of Rutshire to a new generation of viewers. Her Majesty’s visit marks another milestone in the series’ growing cultural resonance.

A Behind-the-Scenes Tour of Rutshire

The Queen was welcomed by the series’ award-winning Executive Producers Dominic Treadwell-Collins, Alexander Lamb, Felicity Blunt and Laura Wade, along with Series Producer Eliza Mellor, who guided her through a private tour of the show’s most important sets.

Her Majesty observed live filming and met key members of the production team, as well as principal cast including:

• Alex Hassell as Rupert Campbell-Black
• Bella Maclean as Taggie O’Hara
• David Tennant as Tony Baddingham
• Nafessa Williams as Cameron Cook
• Victoria Smurfitt as Maud O’Hara
• Oliver Chris as James Vereker

The visit also included an exclusive first look at the newly constructed Master Dog set—a central location in the Rivalsuniverse—where Her Majesty was introduced to four of Rutshire’s star canines. She also stepped inside the O’Hara family’s Priory Kitchen and the infamous Bar Sinister, two of the most recognisable spaces for fans of Cooper’s novels.

Championing the UK’s Creative Talent

A key focus of the tour was the production’s impact on the creative industries across the South West. The Rivals team has invested in regional talent, creating apprenticeships and hands-on opportunities for young people looking to enter film and television.

Her Majesty met BAFTA award-winning Production Designer Dominic Hyman, whose vision has brought 1980s Rutshire to vivid life, and the acclaimed Hair and Make-up department led by Jill Sweeney, also BAFTA-recognised.

In the Costume Department, designer Ray Holman presented the wardrobe for season two—lavish textures, bold silhouettes, and era-defining 1980s glamour. The production has collaborated with The King’s Foundation, and a Foundation alumnus was present to showcase pieces created for the upcoming season.

Honouring the Legacy of Dame Jilly Cooper

This visit holds particular poignancy following the passing of Dame Jilly Cooper in October. Members of her family attended the tour, honouring the late author’s extraordinary cultural legacy—one that continues to influence British storytelling, fashion, and pop culture almost four decades after Rivals was first published.

When Does Rivals Season Two Begin in 2026

Rivals will return in 2026, streaming on Hulu in the U.S. and on Disney+ in the UK and internationally. Fans can revisit the drama, romance, and delicious chaos of Rutshire now, with all episodes of season one available to stream on Disney+.

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