Queen Camilla’s ex husband confirmed as inspiration for Disney+ Rivals lothario Rupert Campbell-Black

Queen Camilla’s ex-husband confirmed as inspiration for Disney+ Rivals lothario Rupert Campbell-Black

Rivals author Dame Jilly Cooper has recently disclosed the inspiration behind one of the most outrageous characters portrayed in the hit Disney+ series, which has captured the nation’s attention. Rivals, set in 1986 in the fictional country of Rutshire in the Cotswolds, is based on Cooper’s 1988 novel of the same name. Actor Alex Hassell, known for his role in His Dark Materials, portrays the affluent show jumper, Conservative MP, and womanizer Rupert Campbell-Black in the series that has been making waves. He engages in numerous relationships before encountering young Agatha ‘Taggie’ O’Hara, played by Bella Maclean. The series delves into the world of TV where ambitions run high and hair-dos are even bigger.

Describing the inspiration behind Rupert Campbell-Black’s character, Cooper revealed that he is based on her friend Queen Camilla’s first husband, Andrew Parker Bowles, referred to as “the lothario of London”. Cooper shared, “‘He’s been a great friend for a long time… so he’s very like Rupert. He’s beautiful and blond and stunning,” shedding light on the royal connection. Parker Bowles and Camilla divorced in 1995 after a 22-year marriage, maintaining a good friendship since then. Recently, the cast of Rivals showed their support for Cooper as she received the writer award at the 2024 Harper’s Bazaar Women Of The Year Awards in London.

Turner, Maclean, and Hassell were present at the event as Dame Jilly, 87, was honoured for her remarkable contributions to literature over the past half-century. Cooper’s adaptation has been appreciated for its accurate portrayal of the original storyline, not shying away from the challenging realities of the pre-MeToo era of the 1980s. The series has received acclaim for its loyalty to Cooper’s work, portraying the era authentically.

Furthermore, it was disclosed that younger writers on Rivals had pushed to remove a scene where Campbell-Black gropes Taggie in the Disney adaptation. Dominic Treadwell-Collins, the show’s executive producer and writer, highlighted discussions around portraying the scene on screen as a reflection of the 1980s period and the character’s evolution. The series has been commended for its candid exploration of the era and its willingness to address uncomfortable truths.

In summary, Dame Jilly Cooper’s revelation about the inspiration behind Rupert Campbell-Black’s character adds an intriguing dimension to the portrayal in the Disney+ series Rivals. The adaptation has been praised for staying true to the original storyline and capturing the essence of the era, resonating with audiences. Cooper’s acknowledgment of Parker Bowles as the inspiration behind the character provides insight into the creative process and enriches the viewing experience for fans of the series.