Who is the real-life Rupert Campbell-Black? Rivals author Jilly Cooper revealed the 3 men who inspired the character

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With the second part of Disney’s adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s popular novel airing, the focus is once more on the central character, Rupert Campbell-Black.

We were first introduced to Richard “RCB” Cornwallis in Jilly Cooper’s novel, Riders. A talented polo player with a reputation for charming married men, he initially appears as a typical arrogant and privileged member of the upper class.

The popular book series, which began in 1985 and has sold millions of copies, features Campbell-Black as a character who is consistently privileged and charismatic. However, throughout the eleven books—and again with the recent success of the television show—he ultimately finds himself softened and changed by love, specifically by his connection with Taggie, the quiet and lovely daughter of his coworker, Declan O’Hara.

As Jilly Cooper described to TopMob while making the first series, people are capable of misbehavior, especially during the 1980s. The character Rupert, despite his flaws, has redeeming qualities – he’s kind to animals, a dedicated politician, and devoted to his wife. He and his wife shared a passionate romance, and, as Cooper pointed out, many men are unfaithful before finding the person they truly love.

Throughout the series, Campbell-Black represented the ideal of a charming and desirable man – everything women wanted and men aspired to be. Notably, he was consistently depicted as blonde. This detail initially concerned the author, who had final say on casting, when Alex Hessell was suggested for the part.

The beloved author, who passed away in October 2025, shared with RT: “I initially doubted Alex would be a good fit – he doesn’t have blonde hair – but after meeting him, I realized he’s very handsome.”

I was absolutely captivated when she finally shared who inspired the creation of that incredibly charming character! It wasn’t just one person, she explained – that would have been a lot for anyone to live up to, even someone as strong as Rupert. Instead, it was a blend of three different men she’d met back in 1982 when she moved to the Cotswolds and started spending time with the local equestrian community. They each left a lasting impression on her, and clearly contributed to the character we all adore.

Cooper explained that after moving to the countryside, she befriended a group of men she admired. She saw their interactions as a way to learn how someone from a higher social class would typically act in that setting. When asked if her friends were bothered by being portrayed in her novels, she responded that they actually enjoy it.

Who are the three?

Rupert Lycett Green

Born into privilege as the grandson of a baronet, RLC attended Eton College and later rose to prominence as a fashion designer in the 1960s. His shop, Blades, attracted a stylish clientele, including rock star Mick Jagger.

You know, someone once described this guy as being really tall and lanky, always had a clever line ready to go, and apparently, he wasn’t short on people who didn’t like him. It painted a pretty vivid picture, honestly!

The Earl of Suffolk

Michael Howard, the son of the 20th Earl and ballet dancer Mimi Forde-Pigott, went to Winchester school. He was married three times and spent his life at the grand estate of Charlton Park until he passed away in 2022.

Andrew Parker-Bowles

The British press dubbed Andrew Parker-Bowles “the man who laid down his wife for England” after details of his wife Camilla’s relationship with Prince Charles became public. However, this label misrepresented him. He wasn’t a passive husband, but a distinguished former military officer – he’d even served as a page at Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation and played polo with Prince Charles in his youth. He was well-connected and always impeccably dressed.

Throughout his life, and including before, during, and after his marriage to Camilla, he had other significant relationships. Despite this, he and Camilla have remained close friends well into their eighties, and he now publicly supports her as she fulfills her duties as queen.

Cooper was delighted with how things turned out – it was the kind of genuinely happy ending she always aimed for in her stories.

She also expressed her admiration for her friend Camilla, who has become a graceful and stylish queen. She told RT, “I love her, and I believe she’ll be a fantastic queen. She looks stunning right now and has really blossomed.”

From Jilly Cooper, there could be no higher praise.

You can now watch the series Rivals on Disney+. The second season will begin streaming on Friday, May 15, 2026. A Disney+ subscription starts at just £5.99 per month.

Keep up with Rivals by adding them to your watchlist on the TopMob: What to Watch app! Download it today for daily TV suggestions, exclusive features, and more.

Authors

Caroline Frost

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2026-05-15 14:06