Alex Hassell has revealed that the upcoming season of Rivals will serve as a tribute to the late Dame Jilly Cooper following her death earlier this month.
The beloved author, known as the “Queen of the bonkbuster” for her Rutshire Chronicles novels including Riders, Polo and Rivals, died aged 88 earlier this month after a fall.
The Disney+ drama, based on her iconic 1980s world of glamour, sex and scandal, is currently filming its second season, which will expand from eight to twelve episodes.
The new run sees the return of the Hassell alongside Danny Dyer, Aidan Turner, Emily Atack and David Tennant as well as guest stars Hayley Atwell and Rupert Everett.
“It will be [a tribute to Dame Jilly],” Hassell told The Standard at the London Film Festival premiere of his new film Wasteman, which hits cinemas on February 20, 2026.
“We’re just trying to work really hard to make her vision as sort of bold and as full as possible and carry her spirit forward onto the screen as much as we can.”
Teasing what fans can expect from his character, Rupert Campbell-Black, he added: “He’s put through the ringer this time. He’s evolving but he’s still making lots of mistakes.”
Following her death, Hassell shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, posting a photo of himself with the author.
“So sad to have lost our wonderful Jilly. So incredibly grateful to have gotten to know her,” he wrote. “This magical woman changed my life. Quite aside from the great wealth of joy, comfort and excitement her writing has given so many, she was such a generous spirited person to be around.
He added: “She was so kind and supportive to me in portraying her hero Rupert. I’m so pleased I got to see her on set the other day, and pretty much the last things she said to me was that she was proud of me. Gorgeous and caring to the last.
“She shall be greatly missed. We will continue to do our utmost to honour her. My thoughts are with her family and loved ones at this difficult time.”
In August, Dame Jilly hosted a party for the Rivals cast at her Gloucestershire home, joined by long-time friend Andrew Parker Bowles — the former husband of Queen Camilla, who is widely believed to have inspired her infamous protagonist Campbell-Black.
Cooper became one of Britain’s most beloved authors, selling over 12 million books throughout her career. Her mix of wit, warmth and unapologetically risqué storytelling made her a defining voice in British popular fiction.
Her children, Felix and Emily, said in a statement: “Mum was the shining light in all of our lives. Her love for all of her family and friends knew no bounds.
“Her unexpected death has come as a complete shock. We are so proud of everything she achieved in her life and can’t begin to imagine life without her infectious smile and laughter all around us.”
First published in 1985, Riders launched Cooper’s Rutshire Chronicles — tales of power, passion and privilege centred on charming yet scandalous showjumper Campbell-Black.
The novel was later named by the BBC as one of the 100 most important English-language works in the love, sex and romance category, alongside Pride and Prejudice.
