Hassell points out that his performance was helped by the director instructing everybody on set to treat him as though he were the sexiest man on the planet. But off set, he’s a “vulnerable” person: “I’m much braver as an actor than I am in real life.”

In the series, Rupert – a retired Olympian show jumper and a notorious womaniser struggling with the breakdown of his marriage – is played by Alex Hassell, who you might know from the likes of His Dark Materials, The Boys and The Miniaturist.

Also starring Aidan Turner as TV presenter Declan O’Hara, Claire Rushbrook as Lady Monica Baddingham, Victoria Smurfit as Maud O’Hara and Bella Maclean as Taggie O’Hara, Rivals follows the intense politics inside a regional TV station and the romantic exploits of the British elite in fictional county Rutshire in the 80s.

Alexander Stephen Hassell is an English actor, best known for his roles in His Dark Materials, Cowboy Bebop and The Boys. Born in Southend, England, Hassell is also known for appearing in various stage performances over the years and is also the co-founder of The Factory Theatre Company.

Rivals is one of Disney+'s most eagerly anticipated dramas of 2024, breathing new life into author Jilly Cooper's hit second book in the celebrated Rutshire Chronicles series.