From landing a starring role in one of autumn’s most talked-about shows, to finding love with ‘the kindest man in the world’ and starting a family, it’s no wonder Emily Atack is enjoying a long stay on cloud nine. And after the Rivals actress admitted she’s happier than she ever thought she could be, heat’s insider says her role as Sarah Stratton in the Disney+ hit has left her as in-demand as when she secured her TV breakthrough in 2008.
‘Emily is so happy right now - life is a bit of a fairy tale,’ a source close to the star says. ‘She’s loving motherhood, and at the same time, her career is really peaking. She had a feeling Rivals would do well, but nobody expected it to do quite as brilliantly as it has done. Emily has been bombarded with offers for work since the show went out. It’s as busy now as it was after she first burst on the scene with The Inbetweeners.’
However, we’re told the stream of opportunities being presented to Emily is posing a dilemma, especially since she became a first-time mum in June to son Barney, with partner Alistair Garner. Emily, 34, has known nuclear physicist Alistair, 39, since childhood as he is the son of her aunt’s late husband, making him her step-cousin. After being essentially family friends for decades, things turned romantic, Their relationship was first revealed in January, with a source saying at the time, ‘Emily and Alistair have grown close over the past 12 months. It was unexpected, but their family is delighted for them. They make a great couple and everybody is excited for their new arrival.’
In a recent interview, Bedfordshire native Emily opened up about her new chapter with Alistair, saying, ‘I know Al will look after me and Barney. I know he will be the best father and the best husband eventually. I am happier than I ever thought I could be.’ Considering her blissful state of parenthood, and the knockout reviews Rivals is still raking in, it’s no surprise the new mum feels torn about how to hold onto her perfect home set-up while her career is soaring. Our source continues, ‘Emily is already talking about possibly wanting another baby, so she’s got a bit of a decision to make now. She’s got to weigh up in her mind whether she throws herself full-on into the work opportunities that are out there or steps back slightly. It’s a bit of a dilemma.’
The TV star hit the big time 16 years ago thanks to her role as Charlotte Hinchcliffe in The Inbetweeners. While opportunities on the small screen came thick and fast after that, many have taken her away from acting. Over the years, she has presented hard-hitting documentaries – including BBC’s Asking For It, in which she explored sexual harassment – competed on reality shows including Dancing On Ice and I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! and tapped into her comedic roots in her self-titled stand-up show. Then along came her role as killer one-liner queen Sarah in Rivals this year, which is continuing to pull in plaudits. ‘You are absolutely amazing in Rivals. I am so pleased you are happy,’ one fan wrote. Presenter Gabby Logan complimented, ‘You are so brilliant in Rivals,’ and Andrea McLean echoed, ‘Just finished!!!! Ohhhhh soooo good.’
After Emily herself admitted that she’s ‘hit the jackpot’, we’re told that no matter what, she is determined to make the most of everything that comes her way.
‘Nothing will ever be more important to Emily than being a mum. But at the same time, she’s also excited about the work offers, so she’s looking at how she can do both and get the balance right,’ the insider adds.
‘It’s a lovely position to be in really. She’s got great friends and family around, plus a really supportive partner. She’s massively excited about what the future holds for work and at home.’