UPDATE: Disney+’s hit series Rivals is embroiled in scandal as shocking behind-the-scenes reports reveal rampant alcohol consumption and drug use among cast and crew. The drama, set in the 1980s and featuring stars like David Tennant and Emily Atack, is currently filming its second season, but insiders claim the offscreen antics make the show’s script appear “tame.”
Sources indicate that wild all-night parties and cocaine use have become routine during production, with one crew member even reporting a star being sent home due to being visibly high on set. “After filming wrapped for the day, everything was just as raunchy and chaotic as the show,” an insider revealed. “They’d live it up at all-nighters then go straight to set the next morning.”
Filming has taken place in The Cotswolds, where the cast and crew reportedly transformed The Hare & Hounds pub in Tetbury into a private party venue, indulging in “knees-up” gatherings every night. Allegations of inappropriate behavior have also surfaced, with one actress allegedly making advances towards a crew member, prompting him to ask her to stop for the sake of his marriage.
Disney+ has yet to comment on these troubling claims. The streaming service confirmed earlier this year that Rivals will return for a second season after the first series achieved massive success, leaving fans eager for more. The upcoming season is set to feature twelve new episodes, with key characters returning, including Alex Hassell as Rupert Campbell-Black and Aidan Turner as Declan O’Hara.
The first series concluded with a dramatic cliffhanger, leaving viewers questioning the fate of Tennant’s character, Lord Tony Baddingham. Despite the behind-the-scenes chaos, the anticipation for the new season remains high.
In a somber note, the production faced a tragic loss when author Jilly Cooper, whose work inspired the series, passed away on October 5, 2025, just days after visiting the set. The cast has expressed a desire to honor her legacy in the upcoming episodes, with star Alex Hassell reflecting on her impact, stating, “She was on set just the week before and her voice and creativity were a huge driving force.”
As the scandal unfolds, fans and followers of Rivals will be watching closely for Disney+’s official response and any further developments regarding the second season. The combination of dramatic content on and off the screen has made this series a focal point of discussion in the entertainment world.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as it continues to unfold.
