Simon Bird, James Buckley, Blake Harrison and Joe Thomas thrilled fans after a trailer dropped for Inbetweeners 3, but Emily Atack won't be back and there's said to be a big reason why12:46, 07 Sep 2026Updated 12:46, 07 Sep 2026The Inbetweeners return in announcement trailer from Netflix As the cameras begin to roll on the Inbetweeners' return, fans will not be seeing one big name when the film finally hits cinemas.‌As Netflix this morning confirmed what we've all known for some time, Simon Bird, James Buckley, Blake Harrison and Joe Thomas are reporting for duty as production starts. Details are thin on the ground but show diehards hope the likes of Greg Davies, fearsome teacher Phil Gilbert, and Alex Macqueen, Neil's much-accused dad Kevin, could all be back.‌But one star who has not signed up for the reboot is newly-married Emily Atack, who played Charlotte "Big Jugs" Hinchcliffe in the E4 comedy series. She will not be appearing alongside the lads after it was reported she was axed from the Inbetweeners reunion five years ago following a 'past fling' with co-star James.‌The Inbetweeners creators Damon Beesley and Iain Morris are writing and directing the film and trailer released this morning has fans in the mood. We see the foursome reuniting in a garage before they hop into Simon's iconic yellow Fiat.Fans can't wait to see what's in store but here is all we know about why Emily won't be returning - as the pair refuse to patch things up despite both stars now being happily married.‌Fears over 'fling'According to reports, James, who played braggy lothario Jay in the hit comedy, was afraid his wife Clair Meek would discover that the pair shared a smooch during their time in the hit show.Neither actors have ever addressed suggestions of a brief, past romantic liaison when they were both single more than 15 years ago - but it is said to still cause tension.‌Emily previously said there was a "lot of snobbery" around the reunion years ago - and branded her ex co-star as "James F**kley."'It's her or me' threatEmily was not considered after co-star James reportedly told producers years ago that he was out if she was in.‌Emily was said to be in shock after being cut out of The Inbetweeners: Fwends Reunited just one day before she was due on set. It was claimed that he warned bosses "it's her or me" after the supposed fling years ago.A source at the time said: "Emily got a call from producers 24 hours before she was due on set. They were deeply embarrassed and apologetic. They had to explain that James had asked she be taken off the show. The kissing meant nothing to Emily and has never been an issue for her."She was very taken aback to be told she wasn’t needed, and genuinely gutted. Emily thought everything was good to go, and was looking forward to reuniting with the guys." Sources informed The Sun that Emily thought the snogs were 'meaningless' and she was shocked and upset to learn that she wasn't needed on the show.‌Emily's late reunion axeRealistically, the writing was on the wall for any future involvement when Emily spilled the beans.‌She says she was booked to appear on the disastrous Inbetweeners ‘reunion’ Fwends Reunited, which aired on New Year's Day in 2019 - but was cut at the last minute after a call from producers.Speaking on Capital FM in 2018, she said: "Unfortunately, I don't really know what happened there. I was booked to do it, was very much looking forward to doing it and then the day before, I was told I was no longer needed for it."She added: "It's alright – these things do happen, and I think they just decided to go a different route with it, I don't know. Or it was to do with production timings and things.Article continues below"These things do happen and they're just doing a different route, I think, and I wish them all the best and I know it's going to be great and the fans won't be disappointed."Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.