UMVA has learned that the highly anticipated second season of Rivals is heating up with the romance between Freddie and Lizzie taking center stage.
The on-screen couple, played by Danny Dyer and Katherine Parkinson, are bringing a tender dynamic to the show, a refreshing change from the steamy trysts and salacious gossip that dominate the rolling hills of Rutshire.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Danny Dyer says that what makes their characters' relationship interesting is that they're "two decent human beings who are in sort of loveless marriages, who are not treated very well, who find their soulmate at the wrong point of their life, but they can't help but act on it."
As their romance blossoms, fans of the show can't get enough of Freddie and Lizzie's slow-burning chemistry, but not everyone is pleased with their storyline - particularly their families, who are struggling to cope with the on-screen drama.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Danny Dyer's daughters are having a hard time watching their father's raunchy scenes, with one of them even asking for "time codes" to avoid certain episodes.
Katherine Parkinson, who has two daughters with her husband, says she "completely respects" her family members who don't want to watch her in the series, adding that it's an "odd job" they do, but one they love.
As the story unfolds, Freddie is torn between his loyalty to his wife Val and his adoration of Lizzie, while Lizzie is often not treated well by her husband James, who has been having an affair with his co-star Sarah.
The audience roots for Freddie and Lizzie to be together, but they also have to face the consequences of their actions, including the impact on their spouses and children.
Katherine Parkinson stresses that their characters' storyline is not a reflection of their real lives, saying that acting is just like playing a role, and it doesn't mean they're being unfaithful or engaging in wrong behavior.
Danny Dyer and Katherine Parkinson's characters had a happy ending in season one, but the story doesn't end there - they both have spouses and children, and they're at opposite ends of the Corinium versus Venturer TV network rivalry.
The actors say that their characters' tender moments are what make their storyline feel real and vulnerable, and they're excited to explore the consequences of their affair in season two.
