Rivals return date confirmed as the 80s drama teases what to expect after that cliff-hanger ending

With summer in its final throes, it’s time we look ahead to cosier nights in - and what better companion than the return of Rivals?

Confirming that the remaining episodes of the critically-acclaimed second series are set to return very soon, fans will get to escape to the glamorous decadence of Cotswolds in the 80s as the nights draw in.

Teasing the upcoming episodes, a synopsis from Disney+ reveals, “Against a backdrop of hedonistic parties, Bonfire Night chaos, the Hampshire Hunt Ball and a turbulent Christmas, affairs unravel, alliances fracture and rivalries intensify.

Caught in the middle of the frenzied franchise war, Taggie O'Hara (Bella Maclean) must find the courage to follow her heart, while those around her face the consequences of ambition, power and secrets that can no longer remain hidden. But as series two draws to a close, who will get their happy ending?”

When is Rivals airing new episodes?

The final instalment of the smash hit show’s second series will air from Wednesday, November 11.

The first three episodes will be available to watch on this date, with three more episodes rounding out the series released in the weeks after. The three remaining episodes will be released one at a time, with the finale set to air from December 2.

Fans can catch up on all previous episodes now, with the series streaming on Disney+. Membership starts from £4.99 a month.

How did Rivals finish in the mid-season finale?

Fans of the 80s-set drama will no doubt be desperate to see where the series leads, after the shocking midseason twist that deviated from Jilly Cooper’s original novel.

The last time we saw Lord Baddingham (David Tennant), Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) and co, tragedy struck. Lord Baddingham’s wife, Monica (Claire Rushbrook), was tragically killed in a car crash set in the middle of a devastating storm.

Monica was driving Caitlin, the daughter of Declan (Aidan Turner) and Maud (Victoria Smurfit) home after discovering her husband had been having an affair with Caitlin’s mother. While Caitlin survives, Monica does not - but this change from the novel had fans questioning if she had really died.

Well, it would appear so. After it fell to Lord Baddingham's ultimate rival, Rupert, to deliver the heart-breaking news to his nemesis, the trailer for the new series suggests tragedy hasn't quelled any of their rivalry.

"Your wife died in my arms, broken by your games," Rupert is shown snarling at his enemy, only to be met with the lord - shotgun in hand - replying, "Well she's not here anymore. I've got nothing left to do but fight."

Notably, in Jilly Cooper’s novels, Monica doesn’t die, and she reappeared in subsequent books in the Rutshire Chronicles series. With deviations from the novels well in play, the new episodes promise plenty of surprises.

Will there be a Rivals series 3?

After receiving widespread acclaim by critics and scoring legions of viewers, it’s perhaps not a surprise that Disney+ has already greenlit a third series of Rivals.

The streaming service has confirmed a further twelve episodes will be filmed.

Considering that some storylines from the original Rivals book look likely to be resolved by the end of series two, it’s thought that the new series will begin to incorporate elements from Jilly Cooper’s other books in the Rutshire Chronicles stories, including follow-up novel, Polo.