Television Star's New Look Mirrors Show's Critical Acclaim
Emily Atack, known for her portrayal of the ambitious Sarah Stratton in the Disney+ series Rivals, has debuted a significant hair transformation. Shedding the voluminous, intentionally "enormous" 1980s perm that defined her character, Atack was recently seen in London sporting sleek, tumbling blonde locks. This shift in appearance comes as the second season of Rivals has garnered strong critical reception, with reviewers hailing it as an "exquisite bonkbuster" and a "heady mix of guilty pleasure, trenchant satire, rambunctious comedy and out-and-out trash."
The actress, 36, showcased her new hairstyle on her Instagram Stories before heading to Global Studios for an appearance on Heart Radio. She arrived at the studios in London with her hair styled differently from her character's signature look, opting for a more contemporary, flowing style.
Atack's on-screen persona, Sarah Stratton, is characterized by her "saucy and ambitious" nature and a bold, glamorous aesthetic that includes deliberately voluminous blonde curls. The change in Atack's personal style suggests a move away from the 1980s-inspired look of the show, even as she promotes its upcoming installment. She herself posted a selfie from her car, remarking, "It's Nobody's Fool promo day so just going to show off my hair one more time," indicating a personal connection to her current appearance separate from the Rivals character.
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Critical Reception for "Rivals" Season Two
Critics have been notably impressed with the return of Rivals. Benji Wilson of The Telegraph awarded the series a five-star review, stating it "continues to refresh the parts that other television cannot reach." The show, based on Jilly Cooper's novel, has been praised for its blend of entertainment and sharp commentary.
Atack's Reflections on the Show and Female Roles
Beyond the aesthetic changes, Atack has also spoken about the evolving landscape for women in television, drawing a parallel between her own experiences and the historical context of Jilly Cooper's Rutshire Chronicles. She expressed gratitude for working in the industry today, contrasting it with earlier eras. Atack noted that in Rivals season two, while men might perceive themselves as in control, the women of Rutshire ultimately "quietly come up trumps in the power play." This sentiment aligns with her character, Sarah Stratton, who, despite her ambitious nature and use of sex as a means to get ahead, is also seen as a character whose journey she "instantly loved." Atack has also addressed how motherhood has influenced her perspective on body image and societal expectations.
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Background of "Rivals"
The Disney+ series Rivals, based on Jilly Cooper's classic novel, first debuted in 2024 and quickly became a hit. The show is set in the fictional world of Rutshire and explores the lives and rivalries within high society, focusing on the television industry. Filming for the second season commenced earlier in 2025, with Atack sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses on social media, reuniting with cast members like Alex Hassell, Danny Dyer, and Rufus Jones, who plays her on-screen husband, Paul Stratton.
