Emily Atack is teasing fans with a bold new look ahead of season two of Rivals, Disney’s adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s classic novel. The actress, who plays ambitious politician’s wife Sarah Stratton, shared a glimpse of her dramatic makeover on Instagram—complete with a towering 1980s-inspired blowout.
The snap, taken at the Paul Edmonds salon, shows Atack’s blonde hair styled into voluminous waves, perfectly fitting the glamorous Dynasty-era aesthetic of the show. “Ready for Rutshire.. Sarah is back. Bonce bigger than ever thanks to all at @pauledmonds217 ” she wrote in the caption, confirming her return to the steamy drama.
Atack received praise for her performance in season one, which included a memorable—and cheeky—game of naked tennis with Alex Hassell’s character, Rupert Campbell-Black. That scene was nominated for Most Memorable Moment at the BAFTAs but ultimately lost to Dianne Buswell and Chris McCausland’s emotional waltz on Strictly Come Dancing.
Despite the loss, Atack made a strong impression on the red carpet. Her hair, styled by Narad Kutowaroo, was toned down from her Rivals look into a softer ‘ghost wave’—one of 2025’s trending styles. Makeup artist Lydia Barnes gave her a fresh glow with nude lips, winged liner, dewy cheeks, and a luminous base.
While Atack stayed close to her signature style, other stars took more daring beauty risks at the BAFTAs. Frankie Bridge debuted a dramatic micro fringe, and Alex Jones arrived with flowing new extensions. Ruth Jones channeled her Gavin & Stacey character with a deep, dark hair color, and Claudia Winkleman playfully referenced her famous eyeliner mishap from 2013 with a bold new twist.
With filming underway and style statements already making headlines, Rivals season two is shaping up to be just as glamorous—and dramatic—as fans hoped.
