The award-winning drama features famous faces including Doctor Who star David Tennant, Poldark’s Aidan Turner and former EastEnders actor Danny Dyer.

Set in the 1980s amid the backdrop of the Cotswolds countryside, it follows the high-stakes world of British television as careers, marriages and reputations hang by a thread when professional and personal lives collide.

The second series, which received an extended run of 12 episodes, has received widespread acclaim from both critics and the public.

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It depicts the ruthless world of independent television in 1986, and follows a rivalry between Lord Tony Baddingham (Tennant) and former MP Rupert Campbell-Black, played by TV and theatre star Alex Hassell.

The mid-season finale aired earlier this month and shocked viewers with the death of a fan-favourite character, while a further six episodes will be released later this year.

Dame Jilly was an active part of the show’s production and served as an executive producer.

In October last year, during filming for the second series, she died unexpectedly aged 88 after suffering injuries from a fall at home.

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Dominic Treadwell-Collins, chief creative officer of Happy Prince, and Alexander Lamb, Happy Prince’s creative director, said: “We’ve been delighted and overwhelmed by the audience’s response to season two of Rivals – testament to the hard work from everyone working on Rivals both on and off screen.

“Our one sadness is that Jilly didn’t get to witness the love for season two.

“But she’s still very much with us in spirit and would be so delighted that season three has been greenlit.

“We’re so thrilled to continue to work with Disney as we dive deeper into the Rutshire Chronicles and expand the Cooperverse even further.”

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Lee Mason, vice-president, Scripted, Disney+ EMEA, added: “The phenomenal response to Rivals is a credit to the bold, irreverent and endlessly entertaining world created by Dame Jilly Cooper, our cast, creative team and production partners at Happy Prince.

“We’re delighted to be bringing audiences a third season on Disney+/Hulu.

“Expect more ambition, more romance, more rivalries and, of course, more scandal as we return to Rutshire for another irresistible chapter.”

The second half of Rivals series two will air in November on Disney+ in the UK and internationally, and on Hulu in the US.

Further details about the third season are yet to be revealed.

Ken Wright, 85, was driving his black Ford Puma on the A44 past Enstone, near Chipping Norton, when he died in a crash on July 9 last year.

His 77-year-old wife Vanessa, who was also in the car, died days later in hospital in Oxford on July 17.

A grey Audi A3, a grey Jaguar XE, a black Ford Puma and a grey Seat Leon were all involved in the smash.

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Their inquest was listed to take place on June 17, but the Oxfordshire coroner service has since confirmed this did not happen because it was an ‘out of file review’ so no final inquest was held.

An out of court file review, or inquest in writing, allows a coroner to review evidence and conclude an inquest solely on written documents.

Ken Wright performing in 2016 (Image: Bev Pegg)

It avoids a formal courtroom hearing and bypasses the need for witnesses or family members to attend in person.

Police have also closed their investigation into the crash and declined to provide further information about the circumstances.

Mr Wright, aged 85, was born in Kidderminster, Worcestershire, and played in jazz bands before joining rock group Cliff Ward and The Cruisers in the 1960s.

He also performed drums on the albums of the late songwriter Clifford T Ward.

Multiple vehicles, including two cars and a van, were spotted around Bonn Square between 6pm and 7pm yesterday, Thursday, June 18.

A man appeared to be handcuffed by several officers as shoppers passing-by watched on.

Police at the Oxford Westgate Shopping Centre (Image: Ed Burnett)

Thames Valley Police has been contacted for comment.

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Meanwhile the force has reported that it seized an “illegal electric bike” nearby on Cornmarket Street yesterday.

An ‘illegal’ e-scooter was also seized (Image: TVP)

A spokesperson said: “We are working alongside other departments, and conducting operations to reduce the amount of illegal electric bikes and scooters on our streets.

“Especially those being used in an anti-social manner.

“Privately owned e-scooters remain illegal to be ridden on public land and will be seized, along with illegally modified e-bikes.”