Perdita's true identity in Rivals exposed as Rupert Campbell-Black's family secret surfaces

Rivals, the raunchy drama based on Jilly Cooper's novels, has been a hit on Disney+. The series, set in the 80s, is led by heartthrob Rupert Campbell-Black (played by Alex Hassell).

The plot revolves around the rivalry between TV boss Lord Tony Baddingham (David Tennant) and Rupert, with Tony's latest client ready to spill the beans on the MP. In one episode, TV presenter Declan O'Hara (Aidan Turner) uncovers a scandal involving Rupert, but viewers are left in the dark about its nature.

Declan cancels the expose at the last minute, but eagle-eyed fans spotted the name 'Perdita' on Declan's document. Perdita is actually the protagonist of Polo, the sequel to Rivals in the author's Rutshire Chronicles.

She turns out to be Rupert's illegitimate daughter, suggesting future seasons could feature her. The revelation of his daughter's existence would be a significant plot twist if a second season is approved.

The blurb for Jilly Cooper's Polo explains: "We meet Ricky France-Lynch, who is moody, macho, and magnificent."

"He had a large crumbling estate, a nine-goal polo handicap, and a beautiful wife who was fair game for anyone with a chequebook."

"He also had the adoration of fourteen-year-old Perdita MacLeod. Perdita couldn't wait to leave her dreary school and become a polo player."

"The polo set were ritzy, wild, and gloriously promiscuous. Perdita thought she'd get along with them very well."

"But before she had time to grow up, Ricky's life exploded into tragedy, and Perdita turned into a brat who loved only her horses – and Ricky France-Lynch."

"Ricky's obsession to win back his wife, and Perdita's to win both Ricky and a place as a top class polo player, take the reader on a wildly exciting journey."

Rivals is available to watch on Disney+