ACTRESS Emily Atack says she has been sexually assaulted while making TV shows and movies throughout her career.
The former Inbetweeners star, 35, believes the use of “ intimacy co-ordinators ” on the set of her latest show Rivals has heralded a welcome shift in behaviour.
The mother of one revealed she has previously been the target of sexual abuse at work and wants to explore the issue in a documentary.
Of intimacy co-ordinators, she said: “I’ve seen people roll their eyes about them and say, ‘I don’t need one.’
“There’s a defensiveness about it, because they feel like they’re being accused of something they haven’t even done yet.
“Intimacy coordinators are there for support if you feel uncomfortable, whether you’re a man or a woman.
“I’ve been sexually assaulted at work throughout my career, whether it’s on the actual set, or at a wrap party.
“And since the #MeToo movement , it shows that people are listening and that there has to be a shift in behaviour on sets.”
She recently revealed her joy at working on Disney+ show Rivals, which includes many sex scenes but also has a team on standby to ensure everyone is comfortable.
Emily, who plays Sarah Stratton, told the Radio Times: “I’m really proud of the Rivals gang because, throughout my life, I haven’t felt safe all the time, and we’re all so respectful of each other.
“We have to do a lot of sexual scenes and we’re very looked after — it’s a really positive thing.”
Emily, who is now engaged to materials scientist Dr Alistair Garner, launched her acting career 18 years ago with small parts in dramas including ITV’s Heartbeat.
She then made her breakthrough as Charlotte Hinchcliffe in The Inbetweeners , which ran from 2008 to 2010 on Channel 4 and is one of Britain’s best-loved comedies.
She also appeared in Only Fools And Horses prequel comedy Rock & Chips on BBC One in 2010, the 2013 gangster film Get Lucky and the 2016 movie remake of Dad’s Army .
She finished second on I’m A Celebrity in 2018.
The Sun revealed she is to host ITV game show Nobody’s Fool, with Rivals co-star Danny Dyer .
