Emily Atack is reportedly 'holding up' the highly anticipated reboot of The Inbetweeners for Netflix, amid allegations of a feud with former co-star James Buckley. The Channel 4 sitcom's rumoured return has excited fans, given its cult classic status from three seasons and two films – both of which Atack was absent from.
Buckley's Ultimatum
It has been alleged that Buckley, who plays Jay Cartwright, was behind her absence. The 39-year-old reportedly issued an 'it's her or me' ultimatum for the films, after the pair shared 'a couple of cheeky snogs' in the past. Buckley was said to be concerned that working with Atack would cause issues in his marriage to fellow actor Clair Meek, according to a report in The Sun.
Atack's Fury
Atack is said to be 'furious' about being snubbed from the two films, which is reportedly impacting her decision on whether to sign on to the Netflix reboot. A source told The Sun: 'She hasn't forgotten what happened last time. She was absolutely furious that she wasn't invited back for the previous Inbetweeners reunion, and she has never really got over the way she felt she was treated.'
'Emily's attitude is basically, “Why do you want me now when I wasn't good enough then?” Emily and James Buckley have history, and there is no getting away from the fact that it would be awkward having to work closely together again.'
Metro contacted Atack, Buckley and Netflix for comment. The Inbetweeners creators Iain Morris and Damon Beesley were reported to have signed a deal with production giant Banijay UK earlier this year, which looked to revive the foursome for a new big screen outing.
Cast Interest
It was claimed that Buckley, Simon Bird, Joe Thomas and Blake Harrison – who played Will, Simon, Jay and Neil – would be joined by Atack as Charlotte 'Big Jugs' Hinchliffe, a nickname the actress has said still haunts her. The quartet previously expressed interest in returning, with Thomas telling The Sun he was keen to read what Morris and Beesley were writing.
Thomas explained: 'What has happened is that the people who wrote The Inbetweeners a while ago sold the rights to a larger entity, and they recently bought them back so they can make some more. I'm really excited. I don't know what they're doing. I just know they're writing something, and I would really love to do it. That's pretty much it. I hope there's more because I've not got that much else to do! I do like The Inbetweeners as well!'
The Inbetweeners is available to watch on Channel 4.
