Rivals series 2 isn't over yet: 5 game-changing revelations teased for episode 7 and beyond after Disney+ confirms November return

The first six episodes ended with a tragic death of a main character
Helen Fear

Rivals series 2 will be back in November with the final six episodes, and Disney+ have released a trailer packed with explosive revelations – so what can we expect in episode 7 and beyond?

As well as confirming a brand new character will join the cast with a heartbreaking connection to Monica, the streaming service has given us lots of clues about our favourite TV characters.

After the tragic events in episode 6, fans were left with some hope about the future of the Baddinghams. But their worst fears have now been confirmed…

Here’s everything we know about the next batch of Rivals series 2 episodes, starting with episode 7 in November.

***Warning: spoilers from Rivals series 2 episode 6 ahead***

Monica's funeral in Rivals series 2 episode 7
Monica’s funeral will take place in Rivals series 2 episode 7 (Credit: Disney+)

Rivals series 2 episode 7: Monica did die in the car accident

The teaser trailer for Rivals series 2 episode 7 and beyond (see below) confirms that Monica did die during the storm in episode 6. Although some fans were hopeful that she may have survived, the first look at the new episodes shows Lord Tony Baddingham and his brother Bas at her funeral. Although we did not see the wreckage or her body, sadly the character is dead.

Rivals killed off Monica Baddingham in devastating scenes at the end of episode 6. And her husband Tony has blood on his hands. Although he didn’t kill her, he was the reason she drove into a storm. Having discovered her husband was having an affair with Maud O’Hara, something inside Monica broke. But it finally gave her the strength to leave him. And we all gave a collective whoop of joy as she told him some home truths.

But our elation soon turned to tears when Monica got in her car to drive Caitlin home, with the intention of telling Declan about his wife Maud’s affair. Tragically, she didn’t make it to the O’Hara’s house. A tree fell on the car while she was driving, killing her instantly. Luckily, Caitlin was able to escape the car relatively unharmed.

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Tony has nothing to lose now

Of course, viewers know that Monica was Tony’s rock. So it’s anyone’s guess how he will behave from now on. Despite his constant philandering, he loved her.

In the first look at Rivals series 2 episode 7 and beyond, Tony is seen saying: “I’ve got nothing left to do but fight.”

Without Monica, who grounded him, Tony is likely to be more evil than ever as the series returns in November. Tony Baddingham will face off with his rival in love and war Declan O’Hara.

Monica's funeral in Rivals series 2 episode 7
Tony is sombre in black at his wife’s funeral (Credit: Disney+)

Rivals series 2 episode 7: Monica’s sister arrives

The teaser also introduces new cast member Araminta Pemberton, played by Rachael Stirling (who recently appeared in Believe Me). Araminta is Lady Monica Baddingham’s “vampish” younger sister.

She’s glamorous, gorgeous, and no-nonsense. She’s bound to cause a stir amongst the characters, and we suspect she’ll have a few choice words to say to her brother-in-law Tony.

Freddie and Lizzie: ‘Someone close to us can’t be trusted’

In episode 6 of Rivals series 2, Lizzie and Freddie gave in to their feelings for each other. And their secret relationship continues to simmer to boiling point in the upcoming episodes.

New images show the pair giving each other sex eyes across a dance floor. But we also see Freddie warn Lizzie: “Someone close to us can’t be trusted.”

Who could he mean?

Racheal Stirling as Araminta Pemberton in Rivals
Racheal Stirling joins the cast of Rivals as Araminta Pemberton (Credit: Disney+)

Bas and Taggie are a thing!

The signs were there – Taggie and Bas were attracted to each other. Although we know Taggie’s heart belongs to Rupert, she can’t stand around waiting for him to stop bonking Cameron.

In the upcoming Rivals series 2 episode 7 and beyond, Taggie and Bas get much closer. And are seen holding hands at a posh function. However, it’s clear Rupert is jealous and realises what he’s risking.

Later, we witness Rupert punching Bas in dramatic scenes.

Cameron, who also loves Rupert (but not as much as she loves herself), tells him: “If you keep on like this, you’ll run out of hearts to break.”

Disney+ tell us: “Rupert Campbell-Black is forced to confront his own personal demons.” Meanwhile, Taggie O’Hara “must find the courage to follow her heart”.

When will Rivals series 2 return with episode 7?

Disney+ has now confirmed that the hit series Rivals will return with six new episodes in November. Following the shocking turn of events in the sixth episode, the residents of Rutshire are “rocked by tragedy, scandal and betrayal as the battle between Venturer and Corinium reaches breaking point”.

An official teaser trailer for the second batch of episodes (see below) offered a glimpse of the drama still to come in series 2 – including the sad funeral of Monica.

Disney+ tell us: “As Tony Baddingham and Declan O’Hara’s contest for the Cotswolds crown hits a fever pitch, Rupert Campbell-Black is forced to confront his own personal demons.

“Across 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 battle, Taggie O’Hara must find the courage to follow her heart while everyone else faces the consequences of ambition, power and secrets that they can no longer hide.”

The teaser also introduces new cast member Rachael Stirling as Araminta Pemberton, who recently appeared in Believe Me. Araminta is Lady Monica Baddingham’s vampish younger sister.

The new episodes also see the introduction of Gone’s Rupert Evans as erudite headmaster David Hawkley. Lastly, Big Little Lies’ Santiago Cabrera will join the cast as Argentinian Polo legend Alejandro Mendoza.

Read more: Is Rivals based on a true story, and real person Rupert Campbell-Black is heavily inspired by

Rivals series 1 and series 2 are currently available to watch on Disney+, with another six episodes released in November 2026.