Rivals, the TV adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s novel, became an unexpected global hit. For the second series, the cast and crew return to the Cotswolds, promising a bigger and bolder chapter. We go behind the scenes to see how the show is made, from large-scale night shoots to detailed 1980s styling, and hear from the stars about the challenge of following its success. The team also reflects on the legacy of Jilly Cooper, whose influence continues to shape the series following her death in 2025.