Emily Atack has secured her next television role following her portrayal of Sarah Stratton in the hit 1980s series 'Rivals'. The actress will join the cast of 'Reputation', an upcoming 'audacious' legal drama for the BBC, which already boasts an impressive lineup including an Oscar nominee.
About 'Reputation'
'Reputation' is a six-part series that follows a formidable lawyer, played by Oscar nominee Naomie Harris, who represents a global pop star, portrayed by 'Mad Men' star Christina Hendricks. The storyline unfolds when the pop star accuses her ex-husband of abusive behaviour, leading to a libel battle that spirals out of control. The BBC has described the show as 'an audacious and glossy new drama that shows what happens when a celebrity legal battle spirals out of control'.
Cast and Characters
Harris, whose character will 'put her own personal life in the line of fire', expressed her enthusiasm: 'I was hooked from page one of Reputation. It's so rare to read scripts with the wit and flair of Anya's writing and I knew straight away that I wanted to play Lena.' Hendricks added that she was 'delighted' to work with Harris. Atack's specific role has not yet been disclosed, but the cast also includes Alex Jennings from 'The Crown', David Gyasi from 'Interstellar', Kyle Soller from 'Andor', and former 'EastEnders' star Tilly Keeper.
Emily Atack's Recent Success
The announcement coincides with the release of a new episode of 'Rivals' series two, which premiered on Disney+ last week. Atack has received widespread praise for her performance as Sarah Stratton in the second series, where her character's life is turned upside down upon discovering she is pregnant, with her husband not being the father. Based on the novels by the late Jilly Cooper, 'Rivals' is a bonkbuster set in rural 1980s England, depicting two TV production companies competing for a franchise.
Praise from Producers
Dominic Treadwell-Collins, former BBC 'EastEnders' boss, praised Atack: 'Emily has got comedy bones and has shown that she can do so much. She reminds me of my friend Barbara Windsor because she's someone who you assume is a funny little bubbly blonde - and actually has a steel, and can control a room.' Executive producer Felicity Blunt added: 'Emily is utterly brilliant in season two - she's like Barbara Windsor crossed with a bit of Marilyn Monroe, where you have that gorgeous sort of icon of a woman. Much like Jilly! You can't be a brilliant actor unless you understand comedy, and she really does.'
Personal Life
Amid her busy schedule, Atack has been planning her wedding to Dr Alistair Garner. The 36-year-old actress confirmed the date after her mother, actress Kate Robbins, inadvertently revealed the wedding would take place 'later this year'. Atack shared: 'I think I've nailed it. We're getting married in September. I've very much enjoyed the planning process. Choosing napkins and stuff. I'm like, 'My God, my life is here!''
