Actress and television personality Emily Atack has found herself at the centre of a heated online debate after sharing a festive carousel of photos on Instagram. The 36-year-old star of The Inbetweeners and The Rivals posted a series of chic outfits and celebratory scenes from her Christmas, which prompted a flurry of comments, some accusing her of using weight-loss injections.
Festive Snaps Spark Unwanted Speculation
Atack's Instagram post, captioned 'Christmas- a small selection of some fave outfits and beautifully busy tables that give me heartburn just looking at them', featured the actress in a variety of stylish looks. These included skinny jeans, a sleek black leather dress, and a colourful shrug, interspersed with images of lavish festive meals and pub trips with friends.
However, the comments section quickly diverted from holiday cheer to unsolicited commentary on her physique. Several followers directly questioned whether she was using pharmaceutical weight-loss aids, with remarks such as 'Skinny jabs are jabbing', 'on the jabs? Looks good tho', and specific queries about drugs like Mounjaro.
Fans and Famous Friends Rally in Defence
The accusatory tone prompted a significant backlash from other followers who defended the actress and criticised the focus on her body. One supporter pointedly asked, 'These comments! Aren't we over talking about women's bodies?' Another echoed the sentiment, stating, 'The thing is, women can't win. We are either too fat or too skinny... her size or any woman's size is not for public comment.'
Many expressed frustration that a joyful holiday post was overshadowed by body scrutiny. Comedian and friend Katherine Ryan also showed her support, commenting simply 'GIRL' alongside a string of fire emojis. A representative for Emily Atack was contacted by the Daily Mail for comment at the time.
A History of Body Commentary and Postpartum Pressure
This incident is not an isolated one for Atack, who welcomed her first child, a son named Barney, with scientist fiancé Alistair Garner in June 2024. Speaking on Jamie Laing's Great Company podcast in November 2024, she revealed the intense pressure she faced regarding her postpartum body.
'You get home and the first thing people say to you is, when are you going to get back in the gym?' she shared, expressing bewilderment at the expectation to 'get back into shape' immediately after giving birth. Atack confirmed she had not rushed back to the gym and had, in fact, gained weight since having her baby, choosing instead to enjoy motherhood.
The actress also reflected on the public fixation with her figure dating back to her breakout role on The Inbetweeners, where a Facebook page was dedicated to discussing her weight. She recalled the confusing juxtaposition of being called both sexy and ugly, but emphasised her lifelong healthy relationship with food and exercise, stating she has never dieted to conform to criticism.
Atack and her fiancé, Alistair Garner, 40, have known each other for decades through family connections. She announced their engagement in the summer of 2024 with a loved-up Instagram post.
