Rivals Season 2: Bristol ‘integral’ to television show’s success, says Disney boss

The second season of the award-winning series is streaming now on Disney Plus

The West of England has been “integral” to the success of hit television show Rivals, a boss at Disney has said. The award-winning programme, which is based on the novel of the same name by the late Dame Jilly Cooper, was filmed at the Bottle Yard Studios in Bristol and around the South West region.

More than 90 per cent of the the locations featured in the series were filmed within a 30-mile radius of the studios, across Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset.

Rivals is set in the Cotswolds in the 1980s and follows a battle over a regional TV franchise that turns ugly, dragging private feuds into public view. Disney Plus recently released Rivals Season 2, which stars a host of household names including David Tenant, Katherine Parkinson and Aidan Turner.

“Rivals has captured the attention of the nation whilst showcasing the very best of British and Irish talent across cast, crew and beyond,” said Deborah Armstrong, country manager at The Walt Disney Company UK & Ireland.

“The West of England, and Bristol in particular, have been integral to the show’s success. Disney is proud of the role we play in Bristol’s thriving creative ecosystem.

“Our presence spans the production of local Originals such as Rivals and National Geographic documentaries, as well as bringing audiences together through live experiences, including our recent sell-out stage show, The Greatest Showman.”

West of England mayor Helen Godwin said the West Country was “proud to be the real-life Rutshire” and the hit series, which is produced by Happy Prince, part of ITV Studios, was inspiring more visitors to come to “and fall in love with” the region.

“The economic impact of filming TV is huge for jobs and businesses in the West of England,” she said.

“Rivals being made here has directly and indirectly helped add millions of pounds to the country’s fastest-growing regional economy. We look forward to continuing to work with Disney+, Happy Prince, and ITV Studios in the future to create more magic in our part of the world.”

Alexander Lamb, executive producer for Rivals and creative director at Happy Prince, said both series of Rivals were “entirely made possible” by the “talent, ingenuity, tenacity and good humour” found in the West of England.

“Just like Declan O’Hara’s Venturer Television, Happy Prince are committed to showcasing the very best of the region, to bring its perfect locations and the work of it’s gifted crew to screen for the rest of the world to enjoy.

“We are eternally grateful for the continued warm welcome afforded to our cast and crew and hope to be making further series of Rivals in the West of England for many years to come.”