Emily Atack shared behind-the-scenes snaps alongside her Rivals co-star David Tennant, giving fans a glimpse into their time filming the highly anticipated series. The actress, who recently impressed critics with her daring nude scenes, looked glamorous in the photos. Rivals, an adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s novel, has generated a lot of buzz, with Emily’s performance receiving praise for her confidence and boldness in the role. These BTS snaps capture the fun atmosphere on set as she and David Tennant bring their characters to life.
Emily Atack, 34, known for her role in The Inbetweeners, has been receiving rave reviews for her performance in the new Disney+ series Rivals, especially for her bold lingerie-clad and nude tennis scenes. Critics have praised her confidence in these risqué moments, which have added to the excitement surrounding the show.
Amid her busy schedule promoting the hit series, Emily shared a sweet throwback photo with co-star David Tennant, who plays the character Tony. The behind-the-scenes snapshot highlights their close bond and the fun they’ve had working together on the adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s novel.
Emily Atack, who plays Sarah Stratton, the wife of the Deputy Prime Minister in Rivals, recently shared a heartwarming snap alongside Dame Jilly Cooper, the author of the beloved novel on which the series is based. During filming, Emily expressed her admiration for the iconic writer, showing how special the project has been for her.
In a recent interview on Loose Women, Emily emphasized the importance of Rivals, stating that “the world needs” the show as a form of escape from the complexities of reality. With its mix of drama, glamour, and fun, the series provides viewers with a refreshing break from the everyday.
Emily Atack recently credited the Me Too movement for “saving sex on TV” by restoring the fun after inappropriate behaviors had taken away from the experience. In her discussion on Loose Women, Emily highlighted that stripping off for sexy scenes, as she does in Rivals, does not conflict with her advocacy to end violence against women. She stressed that her campaigning and her roles can coexist without undermining one another.
Speaking to Ruth Langsford, Coleen Nolan, Katie Piper, and Brenda Edwards, Emily praised Rivals for addressing sensitive subjects with care. She emphasized how the series balances escapism with thoughtful handling of important issues, noting that the inclusion of intimacy coordinators and the professional environment on set reflect the progress made by the Me Too movement.
Emily confidently stated that she is comfortable with her role, reaffirming that women can advocate for change and still participate in more provocative on-screen moments, as long as they are handled respectfully and professionally.
Emily Atack has made it clear that she won’t change her approach to her work, stating, “It’s the other people that have to watch what they are doing,” in reference to those who cross boundaries, rather than her choices as an actress. Earlier this year, she starred in a provocative campaign using the slogan “I’m asking for it,” which aimed to push for stronger laws regarding rape and sexual assault.
In addition to her acting roles, Emily has been a vocal advocate against online sexual harassment, addressing her personal experiences in the BBC2 documentary Emily Atack: Asking For It. She revealed that she faces daily abuse on her social media accounts, including from a married father who creates fake profiles to send her sexually explicit messages. This harassment has significantly impacted her and her family’s mental health, motivating her to campaign for tougher laws.
In Rivals, Emily fully embraces her role as Sarah Stratton, including a scene where she appears completely nude, covering herself with just a tennis ball and racket. The series also features her co-star Alex, who joins her in a cheeky game of tennis. Sarah, Emily’s character, is married to Deputy Prime Minister Paul Stratton but is having an affair with Tory MP Rupert Campbell-Black, played by Alex, adding more intrigue to the show’s storyline.
Emily Atack expressed her feelings about the racy scenes in Rivals, describing them as “liberating.” In an interview with Sky News, she acknowledged that there will always be people who try to create a negative narrative around her work, especially as a woman. However, she emphasized her comfort and confidence in her role, stating, “I’m exactly where I need to be; I’m at work.”
She has also shared her frustrations regarding societal attitudes towards nudity. In a previous interview with The Radio Times, Emily noted the impossible standards women face: “If you keep your clothes on, you’re a frigid nun; if you take your clothes off, you’re a tart.” Despite this, she remains committed to her craft and believes that if a role requires nudity and serves the story, she is fully on board.
Emily clarified that the entire cast was informed ahead of time about the nudity and sex scenes, allowing everyone to prepare. She finds these roles enjoyable and, as she put it, “it’s OK to feel liberated” while doing what she loves.
Rivals, based on Jilly Cooper’s 1988 novel, delves into the competitive world of independent television in 1986, making it an exciting project for Emily. She considers it an honor to be involved in such a significant adaptation.
