Rivals: A recap of the nostalgic series
It's been a wild ride so far
Last updated 3 hours ago
It's the bonkbuster-turned-TV series that everyone's talking about, packed with scandal, shoulder pads and Champagne soirées — and now Rivals, based on the book by Jilly Cooper, has officially been renewed for a third season!
But while we await the second drop from season two, which is due out in November, let's recap the episodes we've already devoured, which made TV fans fall head-over-kitten-heels with the residents of Rutshire...
A recap of Rivals series one and two:
Rivals season 1 episode 1
Our first glimpse of Rivals in all its TV glory is onboard a Concorde flight from New York to London. In the opening scenes, we meet playboy Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) as he romps in the loo with journalist Beattie Johnson (The Split's Annabel Scholey). But before she's barely had time to straighten her shoulder pads, Rupert's caught dilly dallying with Sarah Stratton (The Inbetweeners' Emily Atack) — wife of deputy Prime Minister, Paul (Rufus Jones). In one of the show's most famous scenes, Sarah and Rupert are engrossed in a game of naked tennis, when new neighbour Taggie O'Hara (Bella Maclean) catches them.
Taggie is the daughter of TV presenter, Declan O'Hara (Aidan Turner), who has moved to Rutshire to accept a new job, courtesy of the managing director of Corinium Television, Lord Tony Baddingham (David Tennant) — and Rupert's arch rival.
In the first episode, we also meet romance novelist Lizzie Vereker (Katherine Parkinson), electronics tycoon Freddie Jones (Danny Dyer) and television producer Cameron Cook (Nafessa Williams) — many of whom come together for a lavish do at Tony Baddingham's HUGE country home, where more scandals unfold in dark corners.
Rivals season 1 episode 2
In the second episode of Rivals, we see the launch of Declan's new chat show — where he pulls off a huge exclusive. Disgraced Hollywood actor Johnny Freelander reveals he'd actually PAID for his own sex tape to circulate in the media to boost his career. A confession which is only forthcoming because Cameron's laced his water!
Also in this episode, Taggie caters for a dinner party at the Jones estate (having ambitions to be a chef) — but she's forced into a maid's uniform, and has to dodge Rupert's wandering hands. Accidentally dropping a whole pavlova in Cameron's lap in shock, the meal descends into chaos. But nothing prepares the O'Hara family for Declan's revenge, as he teams up with Tony Baddingham to publicly dismantle Rupert on live television after his unwanted advances towards his daughter, Taggie.
Rivals season 1 episode 3
It's Christmas 1986 and Taggie finds a bracelet wrapped under the tree, simply addressed 'R'. Immediately assuming it's from her ex Rafe, she begins to picture the pair reconciling — but it's later revealed the mystery gift-giver was Rupert Campbell-Black (and Rafe has a new girlfriend). Still reeling from his behaviour at Freddie and Valerie Jones' dinner party, Taggie gives Rupert the cold shoulder at her brother's 21st birthday/NYE party, but the pair share a moment in the kitchen, and the dynamic between them soon shifts towards something sweet.
Despite being told in no uncertain terms not to attend the party, by Tony Baddingham, Cameron turns up at the O'Hara's, and kisses eldest son and birthday boy, Patrick, at midnight. Tony is enraged — especially since he appears to have been having his wicked way with her, behind his wife, Monica's, back.
Also in this episode, Gerald breaks Charles' heart, by telling him he will need to marry a woman if he wants to succeed in politics.
Rivals season 1 episode 4
Episode four sees the residents of Rutshire come together for a falcony weekend at Tony Baddingham's estate — where Lizzie and Freddie get close. That's despite Freddie being the perfect gentleman and fiercely defending his wife, Valerie, when she becomes the butt of the elite's jokes. Later, when Lizzie pulls out all the stops to treat hubby, James, on Valentine's Day, she's left feeling unappreciated, after he rebuffs her to watch TV. But Freddie steps in and gives her the most thoughtful gift of a word processor, to encourage her writing talent.
Elsewhere, Declan's plan to bring down Rupert on live TV goes wrong, when the pair finds themselves connecting on a deeper level mid-interview. That sends head of the station, Tony into another rage, who smashes up Declan's set. And in a double blow for Tony, he'd been working to recruit Freddie to the Corinium network, but the self-made millionaire declines in solidarity with his wife — after her earlier humiliation.
Rivals season 1 episode 5
Corinium's given the opportunity to interview the Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher — but as long as it sticks to the list of questions provided. Declan's prepared to go rogue, but Lord Tony Baddingham wants Parliament in his pocket, so he gives the interview to James Vereker instead. This sends Declan into a spiral, drinking heavily at home.
Meanwhile James begins an affair with Sarah Stratton, and Lizzie meets her literary agent to discuss her latest book. Eagle-eyed fans of Dame Jilly Cooper might notice it's here that the iconic author makes a cameo, as a guest in the restaurant!
Most significant in this episode, though, is the coming together of numerous high players from Rutshire, with the intention to form a rival TV station. Freddie Jones, Rupert Campbell-Black and newly-resigned Declan O'Hara gather their team of supporters to take on Corinium — and they call themselves Venturer TV.
Rivals season 1 episode 6
Episode six sees Venturer step up their game to take on Corinium — with Rupert taking Cameron to bed after an awards ceremony in Spain, before stealing confidential franchise documents from her while she's occupied. Taggie's heartbroken, after starting to fall for bad boy, Rupert. And her father Declan's cross too, believing Rupert's crossed a moral line.
Not realising he's photocopied her documents, Cameron hopes her holiday romance with Rupert can continue back in Rutshire, and she heads to his estate. While he's gone, a delivery of Venturer T-shirts arrives, risking the TV exec finding out about their plans to take on her station in a franchise bid. But Cameron believes the T-shirt is for a sport's team, and pops one on for fun. Following his shock of seeing her kitted out in Venturer gear, Rupert confesses all — and Cameron storms off, upset, saying she's going to "work harder to be the baddest b---- in the business".
Rivals season 1 episode 7
James and Lizzie Vereker are offered their own show entitled How to Stay Married, but when Lizzie turns up to the screen test, she overhears James getting it on with Sarah Stratton in his dressing room. Meanwhile Maud tells Lizzie she believes people stay married by having affairs — which fuels Lizzie's fire for Freddie, who she'd previously rejected out of loyalty.
Meanwhile the bid to take on Corinium continues over at Venturer HQ, and some clever tactics sees Tony Baddingham's brother Basil join the ranks AND sees Charles and Cameron switch sides. Meanwhile Tony wants to marry her (if Corinium keeps their franchise)!
Rivals season 1 episode 8
The consortiums go head to head in their televised bid for the south west TV franchise — and Venturer wins, following an impassioned speech by Declan! The series finale sees Lord Tony Baddingham's empire begin to fall, and enraged by his failure, and Cameron's rejection, he launches a physical attack on his former lover, which ends when Cameron whacks Tony over the head with her Spanish TV award.
Elsewhere, Declan's wife, Maud, leaves him for an acting life in London, Sarah realises she's pregnant, Freddie and Lizzie take their affair to the next step and Taggie and Rupert share a much-anticipated kiss.
Rivals season 2 episode 1
The Joneses host a big do at their lavish estate — with Valerie proudly telling their guests: "We called it Bella Vista because it means nice view". Missing from the party though, is Tony Baddingham, who's recovering from his head injury in series one. He's been pretending not to know how he got hurt, and later agrees to call it an accident IF Cameron returns to Corinium. Cameron seems to take the bait, but later double-crosses him to both clear her name AND stick with Venturer.
Secretly-pregnant Sarah Stratton is fronting a new show, entitled Uncensored, alongside Beattie — but she is forced to spill the tea on her situation when Corinium sets her up to do a skydive at the Rutshire Cup polo match. Deirdre steps in to do the dive, but ends up stuck in a tree. Meanwhile, Sarah reveals the baby is likely Tony's.
Elsewhere, Charles is bonding with Gerald's new love interest, Muffy, over David Bowowie, her dog. Gerald plans to marry her as a decoy, while continuing his secret relationship with Charles. And Taggie remains heartbroken over Rupert's ongoing fling with Cameron.
Rivals season 2 episode 2
Rupert launches his campaign for MP against Paul Stratton — meanwhile his children, Tabitha and Marcus, arrive for the holidays. Tabitha refuses to accept Cameron as her dad's girlfriend, but takes to Taggie when she meets her in the woods and invites her round for tea.
Later though, Taggie is drafted in to cook for The Strattons, while Sarah passes the dishes off as her own. But their dinner party soon descends into chaos, with various people popping in and out of the kitchen, causing Taggie, Rupert and others to hide in the pantry. It's here many overhear Sarah's hushed conversations with her potential baby daddies — including Tony's demands for a termination.
Rupert comes to the rescue when Taggie drops the salt in the dinner, bringing a fresh dish from Chef Luigi. Later, while forced close together in the cupboard, sparks begin to fly (again) between the pair.
Later in the episode, Paul announces that Sarah in pregnant live on TV, much to do her dismay. In response, Tony kicks her off her Uncensored show, saying her "little problem" has now "got rather bigger". Following a row, Sarah leaves Paul and head to Rupert's for a shoulder to cry on.
Rivals season 2 episode 3
Episode three of series two opens with Rupert being hung out to dry on TV, with details of his many affairs being broadcast on Uncensored, threatening his political plans. He does however manage to find himself elected as the Conservative leader of Chalford and Bisley — but resigns after Margaret Thatcher calls him in for crisis talks.
When Paul retains his seat in parliament, Sarah all of a sudden feels ready to work on their marriage. Meanwhile Maud O'Hara is cast in Corinium's A Midsummer Night's Dream and Rupert Everett joins the cast, playing Malise Gordon — the husband of Rupert Campbell-Black's ex-wife Helen.
Rivals season 2 episode 4
Maud makes her return to Rutshire for the show, but she's adamant she's not taking Declan back just because she's home. While the cast of A Midsummer Night's Dream breaks for the interval, James knocks himself out backstage and Charles steps in to play Bottom. But Lizzie doesn't notice, as she's snuck off to spend some time alone with Freddie in his home swimming pool. It's cut short though, as they're caught skinny dipping by Freddie's daughter, Sharon.
Following her success on stage, Maud is offered a part in Corinium's new show Four Men Went To Mow. But Declan's got other plans for her, hoping she'll come with him to Ireland, while he records a Yeats documentary for Ventura. It ends in an argument, when Maud tells Declan she's choosing her career over his.
In an emotional twist — which devastates viewers — Lizzie calls time on her affair with Freddie, after feeling huge amounts of guilt when James calls her "a saint" who "always saves" him. But fans want to see Lizzie with Freddie, with their sweet bond a contrast to the usual Rutshire scandal.
Rivals season 2 episode 5
Episode five sees Cameron, Declan and the crew in Ireland, filming their Yeats documentary — but it's not long before Declan breaks his marriage vows and appears to hook up with Cameron. Back in Rutshire, Tony's sleeping with Maud, who has a heavy conscience when she realises his wife, Monica, recommended her for her recent work with Corinium.
Elsewhere, the whole O'Hara family has forgotten Taggie's birthday, but Rupert comes to the rescue, arriving with a puppy as a gift. He's been busy organising a new show for Venturer, entitled The Golden Gauntlet — a cheesy (and slimey) medieval-themed sports competition. While filming it, covered in gunge, Rupert smugly informs Declan that he's forgotten his own daughter's birthday.
But Venturer's exciting new show can no longer air, after Tony Baddingham steals the tapes and pulls out the ribbon, ruining them for good. Declan turns up at his mansion and threatens to take revenge "a hundred-fold".
Rivals season 2 episode 6
The final installment in the spring 2026 drop of Rivals episodes sees a storm arrive in Rutshire, with devastating consequences. The storm coincides with an epic fallout in the Baddingham household, when son Archie discovers photographs which prove Tony has been sleeping with Maud. With Monica choosing to turn a blind eye, Archie explodes at the dinner table, encouraging his mum to stand up for herself. But when she finally plucks up the courage to leave Tony, she's caught in the storm in her car, and killed by a falling tree.
Declan confesses to Maud about his rendezvous with Cameron in Ireland, insisting they didn't go all the way — but that only amplifies Maud's guilt about her own affair. Meanwhile Lizzie realises she doesn't want to live without Freddie, and Cameron clocks on to Rupert and Taggie's growing connection.
The episode ends with Tony's absolute devastation, the morning after the storm, as Rupert breaks the news of Monica's death.