"For Jilly to approve my Rupert was important"
Alex Hassell plays Rupert Campbell-Black
Disney Plus
- Caroline Frost
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You were chosen from hundreds of possible actors to play Jilly Cooper’s romantic lead. Did you feel the pressure of expectation?
Initially, I wasn’t sure I’d get the part, I’m not blond or blue-eyed and I’m not from that world, but it’s important to me to live up to a certain Rupert-ness. To have Jilly’s seal of approval was very important.
Where did you go for inspiration?
I’ve met two of the men she based him on, which was helpful. But once on set, you put on your costume and start to feel it. Or take your costume off…
How did you prepare for that naked tennis scene?
By trying not to get intimidated! If I did have nerves, that day was important as I had nothing to hide behind and it was a naked crucible through which to believe myself as Rupert.
With his arrogance and privilege, is Rupert a force for good?
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It depends… He’s reaching middle age and rattling around in his house with just dogs and horses for company, and he’s realising that past choices aren’t going to end well for him. But there is a core of goodness there.
Authors
Caroline Frost
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