‘Deeply terrifying’ new drama starring Bridgerton and Peaky Blinders duo gets first look

Channel 4 has shared a first look at the latest instalment of Dominic Savage’s I Am series, starring Bridgerton’s Nicola Coughlan and Peaky Blinders’ Joe Cole

Channel 4 has released a first look at a “deeply terrifying” new drama featuring Bridgerton and Peaky Blinders stars.

Nicola Coughlan and Joe Cole lead the latest entry in Dominic Savage’s acclaimed I Am series. Nicola takes the central role as Helen, while Joe’s character remains undisclosed.

However, he appears to portray Helen’s partner, with promotional images depicting the pair seated on a bed in what seems to be a heated exchange, reports the Mirror.

The newest addition to the critically lauded anthology series, entitled I Am Helen, is created, written and directed by Dominic Savage, and promises to explore the “experience of womanhood within a world shaped by masculine power, aggression, and control”.

The official synopsis states: “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.”

I Am Helen follows three previous seasons, each charting women’s personal journeys through distinct individual stories. In 2023, Kate Winslet headlined the third instalment, I Am Ruth, which earned two BAFTAs and received widespread critical acclaim.

Launching in 2019, the inaugural series starred Vicky McClure in I Am Nicola, Samantha Morton in I Am Kirsty, and Gemma Chan in I Am Hannah. The second season featured Suranne Jones in I Am Victoria, Letitia Wright in I Am Danielle, and Lesley Manville in I Am Maria.

When the series was initially revealed, Nicola informed 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.”

After the initial preview, supporters have been quick to express their reactions on social media, with one writing: “I’m so excited to watch Nicola portraying this theme about the manosphere.”

Another commented: “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 remarked: “Most excited! I know Nicola is going to slay me.” Someone else added: “Can’t wait to see this. Two fantastic actors.”

Another posted: “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.”

One person stated: “Aw heck, she’s great but already I want to cry.” While another responded: “This is going to really hit home isn’t it. I can’t wait, deviate myself.”

I Am Helen will air on Channel 4 later this year