Hayley Atwell Reveals Co-Star's Padding Secret for 'Rivals'
The 'Rivals' actress shares a surprising costume detail about Alex Hassell and recounts a memorable first meeting with the Blunt sisters.
Alex Hassell, who portrays the character Rupert Campbell-Black in the series 'Rivals,' utilizes 'bottom padding' for his role, according to co-star Hayley Atwell.
Atwell, who plays Rupert's American ex-wife in the second season of the show, disclosed this detail in a recent interview with Tatler magazine. She explained that Hassell, 46, initially confessed his use of the padding to her on set, stating he needed "a little bit more presentation on that side" for scenes where his character was an Olympian. Atwell noted that by the end of filming, Hassell no longer required the padding due to increased physical activity, calling it a "graduation."
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Atwell, 44, also spoke about her initial nervousness joining the all-star cast of 'Rivals.' Her comfort level increased after her interaction with Hassell, leading her to believe she would enjoy her time on the production. She also revealed a long-standing friendship with Felicity Blunt, one of the show's executive producers and the late Jilly Cooper's former literary agent.
Atwell's friendship with the Blunt sisters, Felicity and Emily, began during a night out in London. While walking to a bar, Atwell slipped on cobblestone streets, falling into bins and narrowly missing a lamp-post. The incident, which left her unharmed but amused her companions, solidified her bond with the sisters. "Oh my God, I think I'm going to know these women for a very long time," Atwell recalled.
The second season of 'Rivals' is set to conclude with its final episodes, which will be released starting November 11. The upcoming episodes will follow the mid-series finale and the death of the character Monica Baddingham. Her husband, Tony, portrayed by David Tennant, is shown escalating his rivalry with Declan O'Hara, as teased in a new trailer. The trailer also hints at a developing romance between characters Taggie and Rupert.
The first three episodes of the remaining six will be available on November 11, with subsequent episodes released weekly.