EastEnders Star Pam St Clement Joins 'Rivals' Cast

Pam St Clement, best known for her iconic role as Pat Butcher in EastEnders, is making a return to television in the second series of Rivals, a Disney+ comedy-drama adapted from Jilly Cooper’s 1988 novel. The series features a star-studded cast including Aidan Turner, Danny Dyer, and Emily Atack.

'Rivals' Season Two: What to Expect

Rivals premiered on Disney+ in October 2024, quickly gaining popularity and concluding its first eight-episode run in December 2024. The show was swiftly renewed for a second season, scheduled to launch on May 15th. The upcoming season is anticipated to be even more dramatic and provocative than the first.

A Humorous Cameo and Mistaken Identity

According to reports from The Sun, the 83-year-old actress will make a cameo appearance in the new season. Her character will share a humorous scene with Aidan Turner, who plays television personality Declan O’Hara. St Clement’s character will initially mistake Turner for the late Irish broadcaster Terry Wogan, asking, “Is that Terry Wogan?”

Behind the Scenes: The Influence of Dominic Treadwell-Collins

Pam St Clement’s involvement is thanks to Dominic Treadwell-Collins, the show’s executive producer and a former writer and producer on EastEnders. He successfully persuaded the actress to join the cast.

Cast Insights: Infidelity and Intimacy

Danny Dyer, who portrays electronics businessman Freddie Jones, noted the surprising audience support for infidelity within the storyline. He observed that viewers are “rooting for infidelity” in the complex affair between two married characters with children.

Aidan Turner on a Steamy Scene

Aidan Turner shared details about an intimate shower scene with Victoria Smurfit, who plays his on-screen wife, Maud. He described the experience as “fun” and attributed their on-screen chemistry to their shared Irish heritage.

Emily Atack's Challenging Dinner Party Scene

Emily Atack, playing the seductive Sarah Stratton, discussed a challenging dinner party scene filmed in a single take. She described a moment where her character had to “break down” emotionally, which she found surprisingly genuine.

Embracing Flawed Characters

Atack also expressed her preference for portraying flawed characters, describing Sarah Stratton as “an absolute f***ing nightmare” but acknowledging the growing audience connection with such complex roles. She noted a shift in audience perception, with viewers now questioning their own attraction to characters who are “promiscuous and naughty.”

Anticipation Builds for Season Two

The second season of Rivals is highly anticipated, promising heightened drama, steamy encounters, and compelling character arcs. The show’s blend of comedy, drama, and sensuality is expected to continue captivating audiences on Disney+.