Alex Hassell Reveals Rivals Transformation and Jilly Cooper Tribute Rivals star Alex Hassell discusses his intense fitness regimen for playing Rupert Campbell-Black and shares a heartfelt final conversation with author Jilly Cooper before her passing. Alex Hassell has provided exclusive insights into the rigorous physical preparation required to portray the charismatic and ruthless politician Rupert Campbell-Black in the Disney Plus series Rivals. The forty-six-year-old actor, who has appeared in the show across two seasons, opened up about the dedication needed to embody the character described in Dame Jilly Cooper's 1988 novel. Hassell clarified that his transformation was not the result of extreme fasting or unhealthy trends, but rather a structured and disciplined approach to training. Training Regimen and Physical PreparationThe actor emphasized that achieving the physique associated with the character involved significant effort and professional guidance. He stated that he worked with a personal trainer to ensure he met the physical demands of the role without resorting to crazy diets. Hassell noted that the resulting appearance was not something viewers should assume is effortless, as it required consistent and hard work to maintain the athletic build necessary for the part.This commitment to physical fitness was crucial for portraying a character who is depicted as an Olympian-level athlete within the narrative. The role demands a presence that matches the high-stakes political and social maneuvering that defines the series. By focusing on sustainable training methods, Hassell was able to deliver a performance that balanced physical credibility with dramatic intensity.Meeting the Author Before Her PassingOne of the most significant moments for Hassell was his interaction with the original author, Dame Jilly Cooper. He described a final conversation with the writer as deeply moving, reflecting on the privilege of having her approval. Although Cooper passed away in October 2025, the actor recalled being explicitly told by her that she was proud of his interpretation of the character. This endorsement served as a major milestone for the actor, validating his approach to such an iconic literary figure.Despite his initial fears about playing an alpha male persona, Hassell found reassurance in the author's feedback. He had harbored doubts about his ability to naturally fit the mold of a ruthless Tory member, given his own personal sense of masculinity. The validation from Cooper helped alleviate these concerns and reinforced his confidence in the portrayal. The actor expressed immense gratitude for the time spent with her, noting how meaningful her positive response was to his career.Co-Star Revelations and Behind the Scenes SecretsBehind-the-scenes details have been shared by co-star Hayley Atwell, who plays Rupert's icy American first wife in the second series. Atwell revealed in an interview with Tatler that Hassell initially relied on costume assistance to achieve the desired silhouette for the character. She disclosed that the actor wore bottom padding to enhance his physique, a practice he confessed to her on his first day to break the ice within the cast.Atwell explained that the padding was necessary for certain scenes to highlight the character's athletic background. However, as filming progressed, Hassell's dedication to his workout routine, particularly squats, allowed him to dispense with the prosthetics. She described this transition as a graduation in his preparation, marking the point where his natural physical gains replaced the costume aids. This revelation added a layer of relatability to the star's professional effort.Upcoming Episodes and Plot DevelopmentsThe series is set to return on November 11 for the final episodes of its second series, continuing the saga of the residents in Rutshire. A new trailer released last month provides a glimpse into episodes seven through twelve, which resume after the mid-series finale. The narrative picks up following the tragic death of Monica Baddingham, a pivotal event that sends shockwaves through the political and social circles depicted in the show.The storyline features intense conflict between key characters, including a feud involving Lady Monica's husband Tony and Declan O'Hara. The tension escalates as political rivalries clash with personal grief, driving the dramatic stakes higher for the remaining episodes. Viewers can anticipate a fast-paced conclusion as the show wraps up its second season, with new episodes dropping weekly following the initial release on November 11.The final episodes also explore the evolving relationship between Taggie and Rupert, teasing a potential resolution to their complex dynamic. As the series builds toward its climax, the interplay between personal desires and public duties remains central to the narrative. The upcoming broadcast promises to deliver the scandal and style that have become hallmarks of the Rivals adaptation, concluding the arc that began with the source novel decades ago.