Emily Atack says it was 'very damaging' as she breaks silence on 'hurtful' reports she is dating her cousin

The mum-of-one said it had been "awful" as she stressed: "We’re not related in any way."

Emily Atack has spoke out about the "really hurtful" and "untoward" suggestions she was "dating her cousin". The mum-of-one said it had been "awful" as she stressed: "We’re not related in any way."

The Inbetweeners star and her nuclear scientist boyfriend Alistair Garner were thought to have known each other for decades before they became an item. According to the Mirror, it has been reported that Emily’s mum, actress Kate Robbins, was the sister of Alistair’s step-mum Jane Garner - though it is only a relation by marriage.

Emily, 34, revealed it had been tough when news got out about their romance. She told the Guardian: "There were so many articles which were really hurtful, trying to make out there was something untoward about my relationship. There were headlines saying that I was dating my cousin, which is very damaging, very awful."

READ MORE: Airline warns UK tourists 'they will not be accepted' as flights cancelled and 'do not travel' warning issued

She told the publication: "We’re not related in any way. I think some family members found that very tough."

The actress continued: "It’s anger towards women. Men are so angry with sexy women. It’s like, ‘We’ll give you a little bit of power, but not too much. Here, you look nice on this front cover, but also, you’re a fat, ugly pig.’”

Emily and Adrian welcomed their son Barney James Garner in June. However Emily kept her pregnancy under wraps for the first few months, before going public with the news.

Sharing a photo of her bump with her 1.8 million Instagram followers she wrote: “Hello everyone, it's been a little while but I'm back with some news. 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."