❚ We may earn commission from links on this page. Our editorial is always independent (learn more).

Rivals star reveals which "sacrilegious" couple he’s quietly rooting for

We all have our Rivals guilty favourites!

Rufus Jones wearing a suit, blue tie and ribbon, standing in front of posters of himself and crossing his arms.

Disney

Published: Friday, 15 May 2026 at 8:00 am

Subscribe to Radio Times: 10 issues for £10

In the world of Rivals, no couple is a bed of roses and from the wide range of relationship dynamics that continue to play out, there will undoubtedly be some couples we're rooting for more than others.

Ad

When asking series stars Rufus Jones and Emily Atack who they're rooting for personally, Jones revealed to Radio Times: “I know it’s sacrilegious to say but I thought Rupert and Cameron made quite a good pair."

He went on: "We know Rupert and Taggie is the heartbeat of the show and that is ultimately where the big romance is going to happen – or maybe not. Rupert and Cameron, you kind of go, ‘That could work, that’d be good’.

"And she needs someone like him and he needs someone like her. They look good in that first episode – literally! Come on.”

A woman stands indoors speaking on a corded telephone, looking concerned as she rests one hand on her hip. She is wearing a dark short-sleeved dress with gold detailing, statement earrings and a red hair accessory. Warm lighting, wooden panelled walls and houseplants can be seen around her, while blurred figures appear in the foreground.

Nafessa Williams as Cameron Cook. Disney

Speaking about who she's rooting for, Atack also said: "Well, this is the interesting thing and is how Jilly [Cooper] creates these amazing characters because she shows complicated, flawed couples, characters, affairs. For example, with the Freddie and Lizzie story, you're rooting for them – but they're having an affair.

"They're actually hurting their families. So it's interesting how, as human beings... I think what Jilly does so brilliantly with her characters is show that people are complicated, relationships are complicated and nothing is one-dimensional, everything has nuance."

Of course, there are plenty of couples within Rutshire and we last saw Rupert (Alex Hassell) confess his feelings for Taggie (Bella Maclean) at the end of season 1, despite being told by Declan (Aidan Turner) not to go there with his daughter.

Fans of the original books will know the outcome – but as for the series and how close it'll stick to its source material, we'll just have to wait and see, especially as Rupert's eyes have landed elsewhere.

Read more:

After the cliffhanger attack of Tony (David Tennant), Cameron (Nafessa Williams) went straight into the arms of Rupert who helped her navigate the aftermath of the situation. Together, they seem stronger than ever – but with Tony now lurking around, it's likely their happy bubble will soon burst.

The official synopsis for season 2 reads: "The battle for the Central South West television franchise reaches a fever pitch as the war between Corinium and Venturer enters a dangerous new phase.

"More ruthless than ever, Tony Baddingham is determined to dismantle his rivals piece-by-piece, weaponising scandal and manipulating those closest to him to maintain his grip on power."

It continues: "Amidst the hedonistic glamour of 80s excess, the personal lives of our Rutshire heroes spiral into chaos. Marriages fracture under the weight of ambition, illicit affairs threaten to shatter families, and long-buried secrets ignite with explosive consequences.

"As rivalries push everyone to the brink, loyalties are tested and hearts are broken in the pursuit of victory. But what is the true cost of war?"

Want to see this content?

This page contains content provided by Google reCAPTCHA. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as Google reCAPTCHA may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, choose 'Accept and continue' to allow Google reCAPTCHA and its required purposes.

Accept and continue

Rivals is available to stream on Disney+. Season 2 premieres on Friday 15 May 2026. Sign-up to Disney+ from £5.99 a month.

Add Rivals to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

Ad

Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of Morgan Cormack, smiling against a lime green background

Morgan CormackDrama Writer

Morgan Cormack is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering everything drama-related on TV and streaming. She previously worked at Stylist as an Entertainment Writer. Alongside her past work in content marketing and as a freelancer, she possesses a BA in English Literature.

Ad

Ad

Subscribe for £1 per week

Too much to watch this autumn? Let Radio Times magazine and app do the choosing, with expert picks across TV, streaming and film.

Subscribe now

Loading...

Ad

Loading...