Actor Alex Hassell, known for his roles in sci-fi and fantasy shows such as His Dark Materials, Cowboy Bebop and The Boys has been cast as the “notorious rake” Rupert Campbell-Black in Disney Plus’ racy adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s book Rivals.
Alex, who describes himself as “actually quite shy,” decided to break the ice on set, before filming his nude scenes, by stripping off and doing a cartwheel in front of the cast and crew.
He told the Mail on Sunday: “It was made clear to me that sexuality and sex was a big part of his life and world, and what I would have to be engaging in.”
Part of the series involves his character playing a naked game of tennis with Sarah Stratton, portrayed by Inbetweeners star Emily Atack.
Alex admits he initially wasn’t familiar with the Jilly Cooper ‘Rutshire’ novels on which the show has been based, and was a little “nervous’ when he first read the script.
Rupert Campbell-Black’s story sees a contemporary makeover as one of his love interests in the show, Taggie, played by Sex Education’s Bella Maclean, features a significant detail adapted from Dame Jilly Cooper’s 1988 novel.
In the book, Taggie is just 18, while Rupert is approaching 40. “I find it difficult that, in every film you see, there’s a 40-something man with a young woman,” commented the actor.
“I don’t think that should be an industry standard unless it’s something to do with the story.” The 2024 TV adaptation sees a reduction in their age gap.
Despite concerns, Alex and co-star Bella formed a strong connection off-screen, with the actor sharing: “We immediately got on very well, we really had a laugh.”
Alex, who boasts an extensive stage career including several stints with the Royal Shakespeare Company, surprisingly admits to shyness: “I am actually quite shy, but I’m much more comfortable if I know what my role is supposed to be in a social situation.”