Emily Atack is making a much-anticipated return to our screens with the second series of the Disney+ drama Rivals, set in the 1980s. Fans are eager not only to see her reprise her role as Sarah Stratton but also to learn more about her life beyond the spotlight.
At 36, Atack has built a diverse career as an actress and comedian. Beyond her memorable stint in Channel 4’s The Inbetweeners, she has showcased her talents on shows like I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, Dancing on Ice, and The Keith Lemon Sketch Show. She also stars in and produces her own comedy series, The Emily Atack Show.
The latest season of Rivals, streaming since 15 May, has expanded to 12 episodes—offering fans more of Atack’s captivating performance. As she steps further into the public eye, there’s growing speculation about her next big career move.
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Rumour has it that Atack is a strong contender to become the new host of the beloved BBC dance competition, Strictly Come Dancing. A source told Closer magazine that hosting Strictly would be her “dream job,” calling it her “favourite TV show.” Should she land the role, Atack would succeed Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, who have presented together since 2014. Daly has been associated with Strictly since 2004, initially alongside Bruce Forsyth.
While Atack herself has never competed on Strictly, she previously joked about her dancing skills, telling Radio Times, “I don’t think anybody needs to be subjected to watching my dance moves right now.”
Beyond her accomplishments, Atack has been vocal about her challenging experiences with online abuse. She has revealed how she received hundreds of abusive messages and had to involve the police. In the BBC documentary Emily Atack: Asking For It?, she explored the pervasive issue of online sexual harassment targeting women, questioning why victims are blamed instead of perpetrators. This advocacy even led her to take the issue to Parliament in 2022 to push for laws criminalising cyber-flashing.
In a candid interview on This Morning in 2023, Atack opened up about her decade-long struggle with anonymous online harassment. Although most trolls ignored her attempts to engage, one individual responded, explaining his disturbing rationale—that she appeared to be an “easy target.” She reflected on the painful paradox women face: celebrating their bodies and sexuality can lead some to misinterpret this as an invitation for abuse.
From her dynamic acting career to her bravery in confronting online harassment, Emily Atack continues to inspire and captivate audiences both on and off the screen. Fans eagerly await what the future holds for this multifaceted talent.