Clapbacks at body shamers & her proud pregnancy ‘blow-up’ – why Emily Atack is the relateable mum icon we all need
WITH a legion of loyal fans, Emily Atack’s raucous sense of humour and natural good looks make her that ‘it girl’ that everyone wants to be friends with.
The star, 34, is one of the most in-demand people on TV and is best known for playing Charlotte Hinchcliffe on The Inbetweeners.
And it doesn’t stop there, she has also appeared on Keith Lemon‘s show, as well as doing her own stand-up comedy sketches.
And as a woman of many talents, Emily has even been nominated for Best Supporting Actress in the 2017 thriller film Lies We Tell.
But more recently, the comedian has taken a step back from the limelight, as she prepares to welcome her first child, alongside her partner scientist Dr Alistair Garner.
The actress kept her pregnancy under wraps for a few months, before eventually announcing the good news to her 1.9million Instagram followers in December last year.
Emily, who is expecting a baby boy, looked stunning as she uploaded an all natural black and white picture of herself holding her already growing bump, with a comical caption to go with it.
Emily wrote: “I’m delighted to share with you all that we’re having a baby!! I’ve never been so happy and utterly terrified at the same time.
“Please go easy on me. Every day is mixed with thrill, fear, joy, hysteria, topped off with a lot of vomiting – a bit like when you’ve just stepped off of the Oblivion at Alton Towers on a hangover.
“I’ve got to know my body on such an insane level.
“It’s made me appreciate the one I’ve been given SO much, I’m doing my absolute best to make it a home for the little squid I’m growing.
“We can already sense the baby is reclined on a mattress of peanut butter and jam sandwiches in there, demanding more chocolate buttons.”
Fans and celebrity pals gushed over the star wishing her the “best of luck.”
This Morning presenter Alison Hammond wrote: “Congratulations darling so happy for you.”
Whilst TV presenter Rylan Clark added: “Babe we said we wasn’t gonna say anything until Jan. Congrats u lovely two xxx.”
Everyone’s saying ‘Oh you’re going to be in your glow up era, you’ll be in the gym doing Pilates’ [but] I’m like a hen sitting on an egg! I haven’t moved
Emily Atack
Since becoming pregnant, Emily has revealed how her priorities have changed now that she’s expecting.
Previously talking to the panel on ITV’s Loose Women, she said: “I used to get told off by my friends for not looking after myself enough and staying up too late and all of that and now I’m like, ‘No, my body is a vessel.’
“It’s so important that I get an early night and I’m really looking after myself.”
And while she may be prioritising her health, the comedian has admitted her pregnancy hasn’t been smooth sailing as she has suffered “every single symptom.”
She said: “I’m waiting for this glow up. I’ve had a blow up, not a glow up!
“Everyone’s saying ‘Oh you’re going to be in your glow up era, you’ll be in the gym doing Pilates’ [but] I’m like a hen sitting on an egg! I haven’t moved.”
But she quickly added: “No, it’s incredible, it’s amazing and I’m so excited.”
Letting go of her worries about her weight has also become important to Emily since becoming pregnant.
She said: “[Women are] self-conscious walking to the shops sometimes you know.
“I’ve just let all those things go, I’m eating the things I want to eat, I’m not worrying about my weight. I spend my life worrying about my weight, I do.”
It seems to really irritate some people. My only answer is that it’s my baby I’m physically and literally carrying
Emily Atack
But since announcing her pregnancy has been targeted by trolls too.
While only making the occasional appearance over the last nine months, Emily made the effort to attend the Baftas in February this year.
She had posted a glamorous picture of herself wearing a white gown and cradling her bump onto Instagram.
However, she found herself hitting back at cruel trolls demanding to know why she touches her bump so much.
Taking to her Instagram Story, Emily shared one negative comment which read: “How heavy is the bump? Not seen a picture with your hand off it.”
Replying to the question, she wrote: “I find this so interesting.
“I, like so many women, get so many comments and questions like this (mainly from men) asking why I feel the need to always be cradling my baby bump, or touching it in some way.
“It seems to really irritate some people. My only answer is that it’s my baby I’m physically and literally carrying.
“It’s one of the most natural instincts in the world. It’s a sign of affection and protection.
“And I’m probably hungry too. Hope this answers you pestiferous questions.”
Emily also shared a second comment which read: “Looks terrible! And I really hate that ‘cradling of the baby bump’.
“So affected; it screams ‘look at me, I’m pregnant, aren’t I superior to you’. Ugh!”
To which Emily replied: “I’m carrying a human love not a Prada sodding handbag.”
But despite the negative comments, Emily continues to look forward and upload fun snaps to her story including her beauty regime and campaign she is supporting.