Channel 4 has released a first look at the upcoming drama starring Bridgerton's Nicola Coughlan and Peaky Blinders' Joe Cole. The latest instalment of the I Am series, titled I Am Helen, is created, written, and directed by Dominic Savage. Coughlan takes the lead role as Helen, while Cole's role is currently under wraps, though images suggest he plays Helen's partner, with the two sitting on a bed seemingly arguing.
Plot and Themes
The synopsis states that the story delves into the "experience of womanhood within a world shaped by masculine power, aggression, and control." It adds: "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." Coughlan described the drama as "deeply terrifying" in promotional materials.
Series Background
I Am Helen follows three earlier seasons that examined women's personal journeys. The first series in 2019 featured Vicky McClure in I Am Nicola, Samantha Morton in I Am Kirsty, and Gemma Chan in I Am Hannah. The second season showcased Suranne Jones in I Am Victoria, Letitia Wright in I Am Danielle, and Lesley Manville in I Am Maria. In 2023, Kate Winslet fronted the third season, I Am Ruth, which won two BAFTAs and received widespread critical praise.
Cast Reactions
When the season was announced, Coughlan told her followers: "It's an absolute honour to be part of telling the next I Am… story alongside Dominic Savage – a singular talent and a storyteller deeply committed to exploring the breadth of the female experience. To follow in the footsteps of the brilliant women who've collaborated with him on this series feels truly surreal, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be embarking on this journey."
Fan Reactions
Following the first look, fans shared their excitement online. One wrote: "I'm so excited to watch Nicola portraying this theme about the manosphere." Another said: "Ahhh!! I can't wait to watch this next instalment! I already know it's going to break my heart in the best way." A third commented: "Most excited! I know Nicola is going to slay me." Another said: "Can't wait to see this. Two fantastic actors." One fan wrote: "I'm not sure I am ready to see Nicola Coughlan play a character that gets annoyed/harassed by a man for the first time. I think this might wreck me." Another added: "Aw heck, she's great but already I want to cry." One more said: "This is going to really hit home isn't it. I can't wait, devastate myself."
I Am Helen will air on Channel 4 later this year.
