Alex Hassell, the 45-year-old lead actor portraying Rupert Campbell-Black in the Disney+ series Rivals, shares heartfelt memories of the late Jilly Cooper. Known for her ‘bonkbuster’ novels, Cooper passed away in October at age 88 following a fall at her Gloucestershire home in Bisley. Her death came during production of the show’s second season, which premieres Friday.
Jilly Cooper’s Playful Banter on Set
During a photoshoot last year, Hassell posed with co-stars Danny Dyer (Freddie Jones), Luke Pasqualino (Bas Baddingham), and Brendan Patricks (Henry Hampshire), all dressed in polo gear. Cooper, present at the event, openly admired their looks, calling them ‘really sexy’ in the outfits.
The group invited her into a photo, prompting Dyer to make a cheeky remark about her potential interest. Cooper quipped back with ‘a gran bang,’ sparking uproarious laughter. Hassell notes the cast quickly learned her humor was ‘very, very risqué.’
Touching Final Exchange
Hassell’s voice chokes with emotion recalling their last conversation. ‘The last thing she said to me was that she was so glad I’m her Rupert and so proud of me,’ he shares. ‘Then she got into her car and drove away, and it makes me want to well up talking about it.’
Cooper visited the Rivals set just two days before her sudden passing. She reviewed every script, including the first three episodes of season two, offering notes to ensure characters stayed true to her vision.
Dedication to Her Legacy
The cast, devastated by the news, chose to continue production in her honor. Hassell describes season two as ‘bigger, funnier, darker, more serious, brighter, and wilder,’ pulling in every dimension.
In a tribute, Hassell expressed gratitude: ‘So sad to have lost our wonderful Jilly… This magical woman changed my life. She was so kind and supportive… Gorgeous and caring to the last. We will continue to do our utmost to honor her.’
Critical Acclaim for Season Two
Early reviews praise the new season. Sarah Dempster of The Guardian awards five stars, calling it ‘exquisitely knowing escapism’ worthy of endless praise. Benji Wilson in The Telegraph echoes with five stars, highlighting its mix of ‘guilty pleasure, trenchant satire, rambunctious comedy, and out-and-out trash.’
Carol Midgley of The Times notes its ‘gloriously uplifting’ quality, ‘unashamedly celebratory and perhaps even better than the last series.’ Den of Geek’s Lacy Baugher commends the ‘sprawling cast’ for remaining ‘thoroughly excellent.’
