Fans of the hit series Rivals are eagerly awaiting the release of season two on Disney+, starring Alex Hassell as the charismatic and entitled millionaire Tory MP, Rupert Campbell-Black. Based on Jilly Cooper’s beloved novels, the upcoming season promises to delve deeper into the fierce rivalry between Campbell-Black and Lord Tony Baddingham, portrayed by David Tennant, all while delivering the steamy drama fans expect.
Hailing from Essex, Alex Hassell is no stranger to on-screen nudity, yet his wife, actress Emma King, once gave him a straightforward piece of advice to steer clear of nude scenes. The 45-year-old actor shared with inews that Emma warned him to quit soon “before I get a name for myself,” acknowledging that he’s “not particularly body shy.”
So, who is Emma King? The couple met during their drama school days but didn’t start dating until several years later. King attended a production of Hassell’s theatre company, Factory, where they exchanged numbers, and their romance blossomed from there. Since then, they have worked together multiple times, including on Royal Shakespeare Company productions and even an episode of Netflix’s Cowboy Bebop series.
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Emma King has built her own impressive career with guest roles in projects like The Vanishing and The Cry, regularly accompanying Alex to premieres and red carpet events. Married in January 2011, the couple chose an intimate ceremony close to friends and family, preferring to keep their relationship private despite their public careers.
Their love and partnership are evident not only in their shared projects but also through Emma’s heartfelt social media posts. On their tenth wedding anniversary, she posted a touching tribute, writing: “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.”
As Rivals season 2 premieres on Disney+ from May 15, fans will once again see Hassell bring to life the complex and captivating Rupert Campbell-Black, with Emma King no doubt cheering him on behind the scenes.