‘Rivals’ Star Alex Hassell Discusses Rupert’s Secret Daughter Twist Ahead of Season 2 Hiatus
The Hulu series ‘Rivals’ has taken an unexpected turn with the introduction of a secret daughter storyline, just as Season 2 approaches its mid-season break.
In the episode that aired on Friday, May 29, Rupert Campbell-Black, portrayed by Alex Hassell, encounters a young fan named Perdita while signing an autograph. Fans of Jilly Cooper’s 1991 novel ‘Polo’ will recognize Perdita as a significant character who ultimately learns that Rupert is her estranged father.
This moment quickly captured the attention of viewers, sparking speculation about its implications for the remainder of the season. The show is based on Cooper’s novel ‘Rivals’, which chronicles a power struggle between two men vying for control of a television station in 1980s Britain.
In an interview with Us Weekly, Alex Hassell addressed the reveal but admitted he is uncertain about the direction of the storyline. He remarked, “I don’t really know [what that introduction means], to be honest.”
Hassell expressed his own curiosity about the upcoming developments, stating, “I’m very interested myself, but I’m sure it’s complicated knowing Rupert.”
The introduction of Perdita adds another layer to Rupert’s already intricate personal life. While much of ‘Rivals’ has centered on his rivalry with Tony, played by David Tennant, the character’s relationships and backstory are becoming increasingly significant as the narrative unfolds.
Season 2 of ‘Rivals’ premiered in May and is being released in two parts. The first half has already aired, with the second half anticipated later this year. This break leaves viewers with numerous unanswered questions, particularly following the latest plot twist.
According to Us Weekly, Hassell and co-star Bella Maclean discussed the forthcoming episodes, hinting that the second part of the season will take a darker turn. They described the remaining episodes as featuring “amazing work” and “brilliant writing,” promising more intense moments ahead.
The show has also gained attention for the relationship between Rupert and Taggie, played by Bella Maclean. This storyline has sparked discussions online due to their age difference, a topic both actors have addressed in interviews.
Maclean, 29, shared that she initially felt some apprehension about how audiences would react to the age gap. She noted, “We were probably nervous at points about the age gap.” However, she also mentioned that the audience’s responses have pleasantly surprised the cast, with many viewers reacting more positively than expected.
Hassell also commented on the relationship, explaining that the dynamic between the characters transcends the age difference. He stated, “It is about potentially this young and fairly open-hearted girl with her heart on her sleeve. She is this innocent, naive young woman, and the strength of her love and purity could change the biggest rogue in the whole world.”
He added that this type of storytelling elicits strong emotional reactions from viewers and continues to fuel discussions around the series.
‘Rivals’ is available for streaming on Hulu, with the second half of Season 2 expected to arrive later this year.
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