Martha Atack may not be a household name in the same way her sister Emily Atack is, but within the UK’s entertainment industry, she has quietly and steadily carved a niche of her own. From acting appearances in British television dramas to now holding one of the most influential talent management positions in the country, Martha’s journey is one of ambition, substance, and an innate understanding of the entertainment landscape.
Born into a family steeped in showbusiness, Martha Atack was never far from the limelight. Yet instead of solely pursuing on-screen fame like her sister, she opted to make her mark behind the scenes—an often overlooked yet equally powerful position in the world of media and performance.
Early Life and Family Heritage
Martha Atack was born on 16 August 1991, into a family brimming with talent. Her mother, Kate Robbins, is a well-known actress, singer, and impressionist, best recognised for her work in television and musical theatre. Her father, Keith Atack, is a respected musician who played with the 1970s pop group Child.
Martha’s maternal lineage is equally illustrious—her mother is a first cousin once removed of none other than Sir Paul McCartney. Creativity and performance, therefore, were stitched into the fabric of Martha’s upbringing.
She grew up alongside her elder sister, Emily Atack, who later gained widespread recognition for her role as Charlotte Hinchcliffe in the popular British sitcom The Inbetweeners. Their younger brother, George Atack, pursued a career in music and television production. This vibrant, artistic environment helped shape Martha’s identity, but unlike Emily, she gravitated towards the strategic and business side of showbiz.
A Brief Foray into Acting
Before her transition into talent management, Martha had a brief stint in acting. She made minor appearances in long-running British television programmes such as Casualty and Doctors. Although her screen time was limited, it served as an invaluable initiation into the practical workings of television production.
This period also gave her a front-row seat to the challenges performers face—auditions, typecasting, contracts, and the ever-evolving demands of audiences. It’s this firsthand experience that now informs her ability to relate to the talent she manages, making her not just a businesswoman, but a trusted ally in a highly competitive industry.
Transition to PR and Talent Representation
After testing the waters as a performer, Martha shifted her focus to public relations. She began her career as a freelance PR consultant, representing rising actors, comedians, and social media personalities. Her reputation for clear communication, strategic thinking, and deep empathy for her clients’ needs quickly elevated her profile.
Her transition into talent management came naturally. She joined InterTalent Rights Group, a leading UK talent agency, where she rose through the ranks with remarkable speed. Martha managed a roster of actors, presenters, and influencers, negotiating contracts and overseeing brand alignments across television, digital media, and live appearances.
During her time at InterTalent, Martha demonstrated an exceptional understanding of what makes modern celebrities thrive—not just exposure, but authenticity, versatility, and long-term vision.
A Strategic Move to YMU
Martha Atack’s career took a significant leap forward when she joined YMU Group, one of Britain’s foremost talent management firms. As Talent Director, she was responsible for guiding the careers of household names and upcoming talents alike.
Her leadership style combined professional rigour with emotional intelligence. Whether orchestrating a client’s transition from social media to mainstream television or managing sensitive press issues, Martha operated with discretion and a strong ethical foundation.
At YMU, she played an integral role in developing unscripted entertainment projects that brought together traditional broadcast content and new media formats. Her understanding of both legacy platforms and digital ecosystems positioned her as a modern leader in an evolving media world.
Leading Curtis Brown’s Unscripted Division
In 2024, Curtis Brown Group—a prestigious agency known for representing literary giants and acting talent—launched a new unscripted and entertainment division. And at the helm? Martha Atack.
This appointment marked a significant milestone in Martha’s journey. As Head of Unscripted & Entertainment, she now leads a team tasked with identifying, nurturing, and promoting talent in the booming arena of reality TV, documentaries, game shows, lifestyle programming, and digital content.
Her arrival at Curtis Brown was met with widespread approval from industry insiders. With a proven track record in talent strategy and an uncanny ability to forecast cultural trends, Martha is widely expected to redefine how agencies represent and package unscripted talent for the next generation of viewers.
Personal Life and Private Strength
Outside the limelight, Martha Atack leads a life grounded in love, family, and resilience. She married her long-time partner, Mark Durham, in July 2021. The couple got engaged during a romantic trip to Ibiza in 2019 after nearly a decade together.
Martha often shares glimpses of her life on social media—sun-drenched holidays, sisterly bonding moments with Emily, and candid reflections on her career. Despite being part of a famous family, she maintains a sense of privacy and balance that is rare in showbusiness.
Her personality—calm, composed, and highly intuitive—has often been credited for her ability to de-escalate high-pressure situations and guide her clients through both professional and personal crossroads.
The Atack Sisters: A Symbiotic Bond
Martha and Emily Atack share more than just DNA. The sisters are known for their close relationship and mutual admiration. While Emily’s public persona draws fans through her on-screen charm and comedic talent, Martha operates in the background—strategising, advising, and offering steadfast support.
This bond is more than emotional—it’s professional. The two have collaborated on projects, shared insights into audience engagement, and navigated the complexities of fame together. In many ways, Martha’s career helps amplify Emily’s, and vice versa.
Their relationship exemplifies a new model of sibling success in the entertainment world—where collaboration trumps competition, and sisterhood is not just personal but strategic.
Martha Atack’s Impact on British Media
Martha Atack represents a new kind of industry leader—one who understands not only the mechanics of media but the psychology of fame. Her success is not built on bombast or ego, but on insight, relationship-building, and a deep-rooted respect for storytelling.
She is part of a wave of female executives transforming how talent is represented, how careers are built, and how unscripted content is crafted for modern audiences. Her influence extends beyond client rosters into how entire genres are conceptualised and monetised.
In a male-dominated sector, Martha’s rise offers inspiration to young women aspiring to leadership roles in entertainment. She proves that success doesn’t require a spotlight—it can come from orchestrating the lights behind the scenes.
What the Future Holds
Martha Atack is still in the early chapters of what promises to be a remarkable career. With her leadership at Curtis Brown, we can expect to see more diverse voices entering the mainstream, more authentic content breaking through saturated markets, and more sustainable careers crafted for an age where fame can be fleeting.
As media continues to fragment across platforms and formats, the role of strategic minds like Martha’s will only become more crucial. Whether launching the next hit reality series or guiding a digital influencer into long-term success, her work will shape British popular culture in ways most viewers never fully realise.
Conclusion
Martha Atack is a prime example of what it means to wield quiet power. Through strategic thinking, unwavering integrity, and a genuine passion for entertainment, she has emerged as one of the most important figures behind today’s British talent.
Her journey from actress to executive is not just impressive—it is emblematic of a broader shift in the entertainment industry, where those who understand the changing tides, the emotional realities, and the business mechanics of fame are the ones who lead the way.
