Rivals season 2 almost had a major 'legal battle' with Chaka Khan's estate over this improvised line in episode 2 as star claims it 'just slipped out'

Date:
Sat, 16 May 2026 22:00:00 +0000

Description:
You might miss it, but Chaka Khan's name is briefly mentioned in Rivals
season 2 episode 2 and it almost resulted in a 'major legal battle', according to one star.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Disclaimer Spoilers for Rivals season 2 episode 2 ahead. It's taken until Rivals season 2 episode 2 to get a full-on polo scene in the hit Hulu and Disney+ show, but it's more than worth the wait. With tensions between TV executive Tony Baddingham (David Tennant) and arch-nemesis lothario Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell) at an all-time high, Rupert takes to the Rutshire fields to prove exactly what he's capable of with a horse and mallet. Both Tony's company Corinium and Declan's (Aiden Turner) fledgling rival broadcaster Venturer are competing for coverage, and things quickly get ugly. Caught up in the crossfire is presenter Sarah (Emily Atack), who has just found out she's pregnant... and it's not her husband's baby. Latest Videos From You may like Rivals season 2 episode 1 on Hulu and Disney+ has an incredible cameo from Eastenders legend Rivals season 2 creators reveal Jilly Cooper script notes just days before death Rivals
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While getting ready to go on-air with co-anchor James (Oliver Chris), she
gets her first wave of morning sickness, bringing their broadcast to a dramatic halt. However, this wasn't the detail I was fixated on.

As a polo dunce, I had no idea what a chukka was if you're also in the dark, it refers to a period of play, like a half of a football match. So when
James' pre-TV vocal warm up was "chukka chukka Chaka Khan," I assumed it was
a humorous play on the intro of Khan's hit song I Feel For You : Chaka Khan - I Feel for You (Official Music Video) [HD Remaster] - YouTube Watch On See what I mean?

However, speaking to Chris revealed a completely different story. Not only
was the line improvised, but it cost production around 8,000 to clear, avoiding a legal battle with Chaka Khan's estate. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. 'I had to revoice it... it didn't make any sense' Rivals Season 2 | Official Trailer | Hulu - YouTube Watch On "That may have accidentally slipped out," Chris explains. "There was actually quite a big battle about that late on, it went in. These delightful things
pop out all the time, and I'm really grateful that I get given a little bit
of latitude to throw some stuff in every now and again. Some stuff makes it, some stuff doesn't.

"But as I said, later on there was a legal issue with Chaka Khan's estate, I think. I had to revoice it, where I just said, 'chukka chukka chukka chukka'. But it didn't make any sense. I spoke to Elliot [Hegarty], the director, and he said that we'd keep it. But they had to pay quite a lot of money to keep that one little line, about 8,000 or something."

For a moment you'd easily miss in the blink of an eye, it's a hell of an effort to make. But for Chris, it just speaks to the care, quality and craft behind Rivals as a whole. What to read next Rivals season 2 trailer released, episodes split into two batches Rivals season 2 episodes 1-3 release date and time on Hulu and Disney+ How to watch Rivals S2 online from anywhere stream sequel to Jilly Cooper Cooper's bonkbuster series now

"It's a testament. It actually says everything you need to know about Rivals ," he continues. "You've got this extraordinary world, these extraordinary scripts, and here is still space for actors like me to fool around and hopefully add a little bit of something that people enjoy.

"For them to take the extra step, to keep the line included in the show, it all adds up to just an amazing viewing experience, you know?"

I do... and I'm making a pact with myself to try and never miss a small line of dialogue again, in Rivals or elsewhere. Today's best Hulu deals Get first month free Hulu - Monthly (with Ads) $7.99 $9.99 /mth View at Hulu Get First Month Free Hulu (No Ads) $18.99 /mth View at Hulu Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



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