Alex Hassell, who stars as the charming Rupert Campbell-Black in the hit Disney+ series Rivals, has opened up about the touching final words Dame Jilly Cooper shared with him—words that still bring him to tears.
Dame Jilly, the beloved Gloucestershire author whose 1988 novel inspired the acclaimed series, passed away unexpectedly last October at the age of 88 after a fall. Hassell, 45, recalled the deep impact her death had on him, reflecting on the moment he learned of it and the profound connection they shared.
In a candid interview with the Sunday Times, Hassell said, “I was really knocked by it. I was at home, some people were on set, and the decision was made to carry on because it meant so much to her that it was being made. The last thing she said to me was that she was so glad I’m her Rupert and so proud of me. Then she got into her car and drove away, and it makes me want to well up talking about it.”
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The actor also reminisced about Dame Jilly’s lively memorial service at Southwark Cathedral in London earlier this year, where guests lingered long after the ceremony, celebrating her life with hundreds of bottles of champagne in true Cooper style. “There were dogs running around. It was beautiful,” he reminisced.
Hassell praised Dame Jilly’s writing as the cornerstone of the show’s success, attributing the audience’s deep connection to the world and characters she created. Set against the glamor and turmoil of 1980s Cotswolds countryside, Rivals explores the intertwining of professional ambition and personal drama in British television.
Despite initial nerves about stepping into the shoes of a character described as blond and blue-eyed, Hassell has found acceptance among fans. He reflected, “I feel very honoured to have taken it on. People mainly just say they love the show and that I’m doing a great job, which is really nice and I really appreciate. Doing Rivals is genuinely one of the best experiences I’ve had.”
With Dame Jilly Cooper’s influence still woven through the series—she even served as an executive producer—her legacy and spirit continue to resonate deeply with its audience and cast alike.