Emily Atack, best known for playing Charlotte Hinchcliffe in The Inbetweeners, has announced she is pregnant with her first child. The 34-year-old actress is expecting a baby with Dr Alistair Garner, a 37-year-old nuclear scientist. The couple have been dating for around a year and have set up a home together.
However, it has emerged that the pair are actually step-cousins. Emily's mother, actress Kate Robbins, is sisters with Alistair's step-mother, Jane Garner. This means that although they are not blood relatives, they are technically related by marriage. Alistair's father, Steve Garner, who was a beloved uncle to Emily and known affectionately as 'Uncle Beef', passed away last summer.
Emily paid tribute to her late uncle on social media, describing him as 'the smartest and funniest soul' and saying she was 'truly blessed and honoured' to have treasured memories with him. Kate Robbins also appeared to confirm the family connection in an unearthed post, referring to Alistair as her 'nephew'.
The couple are thought to have known each other for 30 years, and Alistair has often appeared in family photos. A source said: 'Emily and Alistair have grown close over the past 12 months. It was unexpected but their family is delighted for them.'
Emily is believed to be around five months pregnant, with the baby due in April. Her father, musician Keith Atack, expressed his excitement on social media, writing: 'I'm going to be a Grandad!!! Couldn't be more thrilled.' Kate Robbins also shared her joy, saying: 'My baby having a baby. Could not be more thrilled if I tried.'
