Rivals S2: Prepare for the best TV cameo of the decade with rare appearance from iconic TV star in the cast
It's TV gold!
Rivals has pulled off quite the coup in series 2, by persuading a TV legend to make a surprising cameo in episode 1 – and whatever fee they paid her, it was worth EVERY penny!
The cast of the Disney+ drama is already heaving with famous faces. And series 2 welcomes even more, including Marvel star Hayley Atwell, and My Best Friend’s Wedding actor Rupert Everett. And that’s just the start of the star talent.
So who pops up as a cameo in the brilliantly bonk-ers series 2 of Rivals on Disney+? Here’s everything you need to know!
***Warning: contains nuts (and very mild spoilers from episode 1 of Rivals series 2***
Pam St Clement – aka Pat Butcher – makes rare guest appearance in Rivals
Don’t adjust your sets, episode 1 of Rivals series 2 includes a vision in sequins and pearls that EastEnders legend Pat Butcher would be proud of. In a scene that could be straight out of Carry On… Aidan Turner’s character Declan O’Hara is locked out of a hotel room after a row with his wife Maud. And he’s butt naked.
But that’s not the cameo that made our eyes pop! Instead, it was the *other* hotel guest who just happens to be in the corridor at the same time as a naked Declan. And it’s none other than Pam St Clement looking fabulous!
It’s a very rare role for the actress, 84, who left her iconic role in EastEnders in 2012 after 25 years on screen. The hugely popular character was killed-off on New Year’s Day January 2012, shortly after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Of course, fans will know she’s returned briefly several times since then in flashbacks or ghostly apparitions.
In fact, Pam’s cameo appearance in Rivals series 2 marks her first appearance on TV since she last popped up in 2025 as part of Nigel’s sad dementia storyline. Apart from Easties, Pam has largely retired from acting. Since leaving the BBC soap, she played Pam in the 2015 Robert Lindsay comedy Bull, and Sally Hodge in Casualty.
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So her hilarious turn in Rivals series 2 is something truly special.
Rivals series 2 cameos: Hilarious scene in episode 1
Pam was no stranger to delivering killer lines in her role as Pat Butcher. And she’s back on form in Rivals. When faced with a stark bollock naked Declan O’Hara in the hotel corridor, she merely turns to her friend and asks: “Is that Terry Wogan?”
We think the late chat show host Terry Wogan would have chuckled at the comparison. Of course, the character of Declan O’Hara is a similar figure to Terry, who was a hugely popular TV presenter in the 70s, 80s and 90s.
Of course, the fact that Pam is sharing a room with a female friend could well be a nod to her bisexuality, which she has spoken about in her memoir, The End of an Earring. Although she was married to Andrew Gordon from 1967 to 1976, she has revealed she’s bisexual and supports gay rights.
We’re sure she enjoyed the cheeky look at Aidan Turner’s buns, too!
Other Rivals series 2 cameos: Silent Witness’ Maggie Steed
Eagle-eyed Silent Witness fans will notice Silent Witness star Maggie Steed. Although it’s not quite a cameo… In fact, the 79-year-old actress appeared in several episodes of Rivals series 1 playing Lady Gwendolyn Gosling. It’s a small part that she reprises in series 2.
Of course, series 1 of Rivals in 2024 aired before she took on the popular role of Harriet in Silent Witness in 2025. So some of you may not have noticed.
Meanwhile, in episode 3 of Rivals series 2, Kate Robbins appears as the officer in charge of calling out the Chalford and Bisley ballot results. Kate is the famous mum of Rivals star Emily Atack, who plays Sarah Stratton. Although, sadly, mum and daughter don’t share any scenes.
