Bella Maclean embodies timeless elegance on the cover of ELLE UK, highlighting her natural beauty in a minimalist photoshoot. The 28-year-old actress models flowing cream ensembles and a fresh-faced look, flaunting her slim figure in a form-fitting negligee-style dress and a draped backless blouse against a vibrant blue sky.
Breakout Role in Rivals
Bella stars as Taggie O’Hara in the Disney+ hit Rivals, adapted from Dame Jilly Cooper’s 1988 novel. The comedy-drama, which premiered in October 2024, captivated audiences with its 1980s TV rivalry, romance, and intrigue, earning quick renewal for season two this month.
Laughter on Set and Firing Fears
Despite critical acclaim for season one, Bella reveals she worried about being let go due to constant laughter from co-stars. “I spent so much time laughing on this job that, in the first season, I was worried I’d be fired,” she shares. “Taggie is so serious and earnest – she’s wonderful to play – but I also have Alex Hassell and Katherine Parkinson and Danny Dyer, who all love making me break [character].”
The cast fosters a vibrant set atmosphere. “When you’re on the cusp of laughing all the time, there’s an energy that’s so fizzy – everyone’s chemistry is so strong,” Bella adds.
Deepening Friendships
Bella, younger than most co-stars, formed close bonds with Alex Hassell (Rupert Campbell-Black) and Danny Dyer (Freddie Jones). “One of the nicest things about this job is you end up with friends across completely different ages and backgrounds who you would never normally meet,” she says. “Alex is 45 – he’s some random bloke I met two years ago and is now my bezzie mate!”
Danny offers unwavering support: “If I have something like a broken heart, Danny is the person I call. There was an incident that happened and I called him up and he was like, ‘All right, where is he!’ He gives advice but it’s not even that. He has my back so much and I have his. Danny makes everyone feel like the most special person.”
Navigating the Age Gap
Bella addresses the age difference between Taggie (aged up to 20 from 18 in the books) and 37-year-old Rupert. Dame Jilly Cooper supported the change for a modern perspective. “Jilly was so wonderful about it. She knew it wasn’t the same Taggie as in the books. Although it’s set in the 80s, we’re telling it from a 21st Century lens. It’s still a massive age gap. I feel so strongly about this,” Bella explains.
She defends their romance as a “soul connection.” “I was so worried about what people would think. But Gen Z seem to love it! My girlfriends send me these really funny reels of me and Rupert on TikTok. Because of the way it’s done, because they really loved each other at first sight, I just feel like it’s a soul connection with them. Taggie is wise beyond her years – she sees him for all his faults and believes he can change, and he really sees her.”
Season Two Promises More Intensity
Co-stars hint at steamier content. Danny Dyer, whose Freddie cheats with Lizzie Vereker (Katherine Parkinson), notes, “We’re delving into the complications of two people who are madly in love but married with children to other people. There are a lot of people rooting for infidelity, which is quite rare.”
Aidan Turner (Declan O’Hara) describes a shower scene with Victoria Smurfit (Maud) as “fun,” adding, “Victoria and I are very comfortable with each other. We’ve worked together quite intimately since the first series and we just clicked straight away – it might be the Irish thing.”
Emily Atack (Sarah Stratton) praises a complex dinner party scene: “You’ve got to know the lines inside out, know every bit of the rhythm of it.” The cast nailed it in one take, with her emotional breakdown feeling authentic.
