Emily Atack: Breaking Stereotypes and Embracing Roles

Emily Atack, renowned for her breakout role as Charlotte ‘Big Jugs’ Hinchcliffe in “The Inbetweeners,” has recently enjoyed a new chapter of success starring in a television adaptation of Jilly Cooper‘s “Rivals.” Atack, now 34, reflects on her journey from teenage stardom to tackling nuanced roles and earning respect in the industry.

In an interview following a promotional photoshoot for “Rivals,” Atack candidly shared the challenges she has faced due to stereotypes and public scrutiny. “Women like [my character] have been villainized forever,” Atack remarked, discussing her role as Sarah Stratton, a character embroiled in Jilly Cooper’s complex portrayal of class and sexual politics.

Atack emphasized the careful approach needed to adapt Cooper’s 1980s-centric stories for a modern audience. “You have to do it right; you have to do it carefully,” said Atack, acknowledging the dramatic shifts in social norms over the decades. According to Atack, bringing these characters to life demanded a balance between authenticity and sensitivity.

Reflecting on her personal experiences, Atack recounted the immediate and overwhelming fame brought on by “The Inbetweeners.” The role, while launching her career, also pigeonholed her into ‘totty’ roles and sparked a wave of media scrutiny about her personal life and appearance. “I was either ‘flaunting my ample assets,’ or a ‘curvier girl in sexy roles,'” Atack described, referring to the contrasting narratives projected onto her by tabloids.

Despite challenges, Atack found empowerment through various platforms. Competing in “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!” was a notable turning point, allowing her to explore other facets of her talent beyond acting. She ventured into comedy with “The Emily Atack Show,” targeting often-overlooked audiences and defying stereotypes about beauty and humor. “I wanted to create comedy for those girls,” she stated, determined to redefine comedic boundaries.

“Rivals,” set to release for streaming on Disney+ on October 18, portrays Atack embracing a bold role, complete with scenes of nudity integral to the storyline. Atack described the process as “liberating” and “fun,” noting the support from intimacy coordinators on set.

Emily Atack’s ongoing journey highlights her resilience against the backdrop of media objectification and her efforts to carve out a diverse career path. From early fame to sophisticated roles, Atack continues to challenge stereotypes while building her identity in the entertainment sphere.