Channel 4 shares first-look at ’emotionally raw’ drama with Bridgerton and Peaky Blinders stars
Actors Nicola Coughlan and Joe Cole star in the upcoming two-part Channel 4 drama.
Nicola Coughlan takes on the lead role as Helen in the Channel 4 drama(Image: Me and You Productions/Channel 4)
A first look clip of I Am Helen has been dropped by Channel 4 bosses, giving fans a glimpse at what they can expect.
In the video, it shows a close-up of Bridgerton actress Nicola Coughlan holding the gaze of Peaky Blinders star Joe Cole before looking away shyly.
A voiceover of Nicola could be heard as she recalls her relationship with Joe’s character. She comments: “I thought he liked that about me. I thought he liked that I was independent and knew what I wanted and didn’t need him. Now, I feel like he needs me to need him, and I am not- it’s not who I am.”
She then breaks down in tears while speaking to her friend as she is embraced in a hug over the emotional confession. As she asks, ‘Why is it so hard?’ her friend responds: “It’s real life, isn’t it?”
In the latest instalment of the critically acclaimed BAFTA-winning anthology series, viewers will see the two-part series explore the experience of womanhood within a world shaped by masculine power, aggression, and control.
Nicola Coughlan and Joe Cole will lead the two-part drama(Image: Me and You Productions/Channel 4)
A description reads: “Told through a female lens, the story examines the pressures and expectations placed on women while confronting the realities of toxic masculinity and the damage it can create in modern relationships – this time, the story was developed by Savage with Nicola Coughlan.”
“I Am Helen follows the standout success of three previous I Am series, authentically exploring the personal experiences of women through provocative, emotionally raw storytelling.”
It follows the standout success of three previous I Am series, which first began back in 2019, making it Channel 4’s most successful new 10pm drama in six years when it initially debuted.
Vicky McClure starred in I Am Nicola back in 2019(Image: Channel 4)
Vicky McClure was showcased in the series I Am Nicola, Samantha Morton starred in I Am Kirsty, and Gemma Chan fronted I Am Hannah.
In series two, which was equally successful, Channel 4 viewers saw Suranne Jones in the BAFTA-nominated I Am Victoria, as Letitia Wright was in I Am Danielle, while Lesley Manville led I Am Maria, which aired in 2021.
Later on in 2023, Kate Winslet led the double BAFTA-winning I Am Ruth to remarkable critical acclaim.
While there is yet to be an official release date, Channel 4 has confirmed that I Am Helen will air later this year