Rivals stars on controversial age gap romance

Actors Alex Hassell and Bella Maclean have spoken out about the surprising fan reception to the controversial age-gap romance between their characters, Rupert and Taggie, in the series Rivals. Hassell, 45, admitted to PEOPLE that seeing fans root for the forbidden love story between his character and Maclean's, 28, was a "huge relief." The actors confessed they were nervous about how the nearly two-decade age difference and Taggie's initial groping of Rupert would be received, especially by younger audiences.

Despite these concerns, Hassell and Maclean observed that many young fans have embraced the relationship, which they found "fascinating." Maclean highlighted that both characters are "lacking things" the other possesses, finding appeal in Rupert's charisma and Taggie's innocence and moral strength. Hassell suggested that mutual love could indicate that neither character is irredeemably "bad."

The series, which also stars David Tennant and Danny Dyer, is set to release its second season on May 15, where the battle for a television franchise intensifies. The synopsis promises fractured marriages, illicit affairs, and explosive consequences as rivalries push characters to their limits.