Fans of the hit series Rivals are eagerly awaiting the arrival of season two on Disney+, which stars Alex Hassell as the arrogant millionaire Tory MP Rupert Campbell-Black. Based on Jilly Cooper’s novels, the show continues to explore the intense rivalry between Campbell-Black and Lord Tony Baddingham, played by David Tennant, while delivering captivating and steamy scenes.
Alex Hassell, born in Essex, portrays a character who frequently appears unclothed on screen. However, off-screen, his wife—well-known actress Emma King—has expressed a candid opinion, advising him to think twice before doing more nude scenes. The 45-year-old actor shared with inews that Emma jokingly warned him, saying he should stop “before I get a name for myself,” although he is “not particularly body shy.”
Here’s everything you need to know about Alex Hassell’s wife and their relationship story.
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Hassell, originally from Southend, is married to Emma King. The couple tied the knot in January 2011 in an intimate ceremony attended by close friends and family. King has built a respectable acting career herself, with guest appearances in Netflix’s Cowboy Bebop, The Vanishing, and The Cry. She often accompanies Hassell to red carpet events, showcasing their supportive partnership.
The pair first met at drama school, but their romantic journey began years later when King attended one of Hassell’s theatre productions with his company, Factory. In an interview with Square Mile, Hassell recalled, “She came to see a Factory show and we both asked for each other’s number off the same person.” Since then, they have collaborated on several projects, including Royal Shakespeare Company productions and an episode of Cowboy Bebop.
Emma King is enthusiastic about the success of Rivals, which has garnered international acclaim. Though the couple keeps their relationship largely private, King has occasionally shared intimate moments on Instagram, including a heartfelt tribute on their tenth wedding anniversary. Alongside wedding photos, she wrote, “Happy anniversary @alexanderhassell I never knew it was possible to feel this loved or to love this much. I don’t always know what I’m doing but I know I couldn’t do it without you.”
Rivals season 2 premieres on Disney+ from May 15.