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Rivals favourite Danny Dyer breaks silence on most "voyeuristic" sex scene yet – and it’s not with whom you think

Freddie and... Val?

Published: Wednesday, 11 November 2026 at 5:00 pm

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You don't need to clean your eyes, you are reading things correctly – things are heating up in this new batch of Rivals episodes for Freddie (Danny Dyer) and Val (Lisa McGrillis).

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Now, Rivals is the only show that would have us in disbelief that a husband and wife would be getting lost in the throws of passion, but the chaotic madness of the Jilly Cooper series means that this is most certainly a season 2 plot twist.

Up until this point, the pair haven't exactly been in the most loving of unions, but in the wake of Monica's (Claire Rushbrook) death, something shifts in Val and she starts to cherish the things and people around her that she holds most dear. One of those people being Freddie – and it makes for quite the season 2 sex scene.

Chatting exclusively to Radio Times at An Evening with Radio Times... at the BFI, Dyer teased of the scene: "It's a really voyeuristic scene. Like, more than any other sex scene on the show. Like, it's watching Val let go."

Danny Dyer and Lisa McGrillis as Freddie and Valerie Jones in Rivals, dressed up and stood smiling at the camera

Danny Dyer and Lisa McGrillis as Freddie and Valerie Jones in Rivals. Disney Plus

McGrillis also said: "Valerie's so done up, and I think she's really, really mourning for her friend. And I think it makes her see her own life and how lucky she is. You know, she's got a husband and a beautiful house, children. And she feels incredibly lucky, I think she just craves a closeness."

McGrillis continued: "I feel like it comes as a bit of a shock to Valerie as well. But it's really lovely to see someone like Valerie, who's so done up, who doesn't particularly like sex or exposing her flesh, to suddenly, you know, let go. She enjoys herself, shall we say."

Dyer added: "She really exposes herself. It's a good scene and it's an important scene, 'cause it makes it more complicated for the whole affair."

As Dyer explains, Freddie and Val's newfound chemistry comes as an unexpected surprise not only for viewers, but also for Lizzie (Katherine Parkinson). But can jealousy exist in an affair dynamic? Oh, the questions that Rivals gets us to confront.

Read more:

The Rivals season 2 description reads: "As the return to the scandal and excess of 1987 edges closer, the residents of Rutshire reunite for more revelry, rivalry and romance, but as the stakes ramp-up they must face tragedy, heartbreak, backstabbing, and betrayal head on.

"Episodes 7-12 pick up after the heartbreaking mid-series finale. Tony Baddingham and Declan O'Hara's battle for the Cotswolds crown reaches fever pitch, while Rupert Campbell-Black is forced to confront his own personal demons."

It continues: "Against a backdrop of 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 war, Taggie O'Hara must find the courage to follow her heart, while those around her face the consequences of ambition, power and secrets that can no longer remain hidden. But as series two draws to a close, who will get their happy ending?"

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Rivals season 2 episodes 7-9 arrive on Wednesday 11 November on Disney+, with the remaining three episodes then arriving weekly. 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.

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Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of Lewis Knight, smiling against a lime green background.

Lewis KnightNews and Trends Editor

Lewis is the news and trends editor at Radio Times and leads our approach to news, reactive content, and serving audience demands and interests. An obsessive fan of television and film, Lewis is a Nicole Kidman fanatic with a side of passion for science-fiction, art-house cinema and the latest HBO drama. Lewis has a degree in Psychology and a Masters in Film Studies. After working in advertising, Lewis worked at The Mirror for three years in community management and SEO, showbiz, film and television reporting.

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.

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