Emily Atack has spoken out about the online abuse she received following a nude scene in the hit Disney+ series Rivals. The actress, 34, said she anticipated such reactions but was disappointed by how quickly they emerged. The scene, which saw her naked with strategically placed tennis balls, was leaked online and slowed down to appear as if she was fully exposed, contrary to the original production.
Speaking to The Times, Atack stated: “I knew something like that would happen, just not this quickly. I’m at work, I’m playing a part, that scene is integral to the book. I am exactly where I need to be. I can’t control people’s sexually aggressive behaviour, but I can continue with my campaigning and fighting for women’s freedom.” She also addressed criticism from a woman on Instagram who questioned her decision to take on a racy role, saying: “Are you telling me essentially to quit my job? Why should I? Women have to change their clothes; we have to change our routes home. I’m a professional. I’m never going to please everybody.”
Atack, who rose to fame as Charlotte Hinchcliffe in The Inbetweeners, is currently taking a break from acting ahead of the birth of her first child with partner Alistair Garner. She admitted to exercising in preparation for the tennis scene, doing squats and trying to get her body ready, but stressed she avoids faddy diets and loves pasta and wine.
Meanwhile, Atack revealed she has not been contacted about a potential Inbetweeners reunion film, which has been rumoured. When asked by Capital Breakfast host Will Manning if she would reprise her role, she said: “Oh I haven’t heard about this, I don’t know. We’d all be quite a lot older now.” The main cast members—Simon Bird, Joe Thomas, James Buckley, and Blake Harrison—have been forced to address the reunion rumours, but Atack appears to have been left out of discussions.
