Rivals star Emily Atack has revealed the death of her friend and ex Charlie Edwards in a heartbreaking tribute to his humour, intelligence, talent and ability to care
21:54, 26 Mar 2026Updated 22:16, 26 Mar 2026
Emily Atack pays emotional tribute to ‘beautiful’ ex after devastating death
Emily Atack has shared her heartbreak at the death of her close friend and ex Charlie Edwards in an emotional tribute. The Rivals actress took to Instagram to reveal the devastating death.
Emily shared a picture of her and Charlie, a tattoo artist she is close friends with and was pictured kissing in 2021, to Instagram. In the photo, Charlie was grinning at the camera as Emily held onto his shoulder.
She wrote over the top: “This is devastating to write. Charlie you were my friend. You were always there for me. You dropped everything so many times to come and be with me.
READ MORE: Emily Atack’s ‘life changing’ eyeliner combo is thanks to two Victoria Beckham beauty productsREAD MORE: Rivals Series 2 first look as Emily Atack teases ‘welcome to the naughtiest show on TV’
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Emily Atack shared a tribute on Instagram
Emily said she was heartbroken(Image: WireImage)
“We talked for hours on end on the phone about absolutely everything. We helped each other. You were funny, so smart, so talented and caring. I can only hope and pray that you have found some peace.”
She added that she was heartbroken for his family: “My heart breaks for your family who will forever be so proud of you. Beautiful boy, beautiful soul. I’m so so sorry. Rest in peace Charlie.”
Charlie had a popular Instagram account where he showed off his tattoo skills. His last post to his account came two weeks ago, where he encouraged new clients in Grimsby to reach out to him for sessions in March and April.
Underneath the post, followers shared their heartbreak at his death. One wrote: “God bless you. Rest in peace beautiful soul.” Another said: “May you rest in peace.”
Emily paid tribute to friend Charlie Edwards
Emily and Charlie are said to have dated for three months in 2021, with their relationship ending due to her busy schedule. At the time, a source told The Sun: “She was really into Charlie, who is obviously very handsome, and there was a good spark there, but it’s definitely over.”
The actress went on to meet Alistair Garner in 2022 and they are now engaged and the parents of a son, Barney. They are expected to tie the knot in Spain this summer.
This summer, Emily will also appear in Rivals series two as Sarah Stratton, a 1980s TV presenter. The trailer was released in February, with Emily telling viewers: “Welcome to the naughtiest show on television.”
What is clear from the new clips is that David Tennant’s villainous character Lord Tony Baddingham has somehow survived – having ended the last run in a pool of blood on the floor after taking a heavy whack to the head with a TV gong.
What is even more surprising is that he appears to be working again with American producer Cameron Cook – played by Nafessa Williams – who was the very person who knocked him out, as she fought off his unwanted advances. But as fans of the show will know, she could very well be working undercover for her new pals at rival Venturer Television.
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