Nicola Coughlan to Star in BAFTA-Winning ‘I Am Helen’ Alongside Joe Cole in New Season of Channel 4’s Acclaimed Anthology

Bridgerton and Derry Girls star Nicola Coughlan has been confirmed as the lead in I Am Helen, the next instalment of Channel 4’s award-winning I Am anthology series. She will star opposite Joe Cole (Gangs of London) in this powerful new chapter created by BAFTA-winning filmmaker Dominic Savage.

🎬 I Am Helen Marks Return of Channel 4’s Critically Acclaimed Series

The upcoming fourth season of the I Am series will feature a two-part story titled I Am Helen, co-developed by Savage and Coughlan. Known for its intimate and improvisational style, the series has been celebrated for its raw portrayal of complex female experiences.

Savage’s unique approach—working closely with lead actors to shape each story—continues in I Am Helen, making this chapter a deeply personal one for Coughlan.

🎭 Nicola Coughlan on Joining the I Am Legacy

Coughlan, praised for her performances in Big Mood, Bridgerton, and Derry Girls, expressed her excitement about joining the ranks of powerhouse performers who’ve led I Am episodes, including Kate Winslet, Letitia Wright, Samantha Morton, and Lesley Manville.

“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,” said Coughlan. “To follow in the footsteps of the brilliant women who’ve collaborated with him on this series feels truly surreal.”

🤝 Joe Cole Joins as Co-Star

Starring opposite Coughlan is Joe Cole, widely known for his roles in Gangs of London and A Small Light. Though details about his character and the plot remain under wraps, anticipation is high for this intense collaboration.

🏆 A Legacy of Bold Storytelling

Since debuting in 2019, the I Am anthology has become Channel 4’s most successful 10 PM drama in six years. Each standalone story features a female protagonist and explores themes of identity, trauma, and personal transformation.

Notable past episodes include:

• I Am Ruth (Kate Winslet) – BAFTA winner in 2023
• I Am Nicola (Vicky McClure)
• I Am Kirsty (Samantha Morton)
• I Am Maria (Lesley Manville)

🎥 What’s Next for I Am Helen?

While Channel 4 has yet to confirm an official release date, I Am Helen is expected to air later this year. With Coughlan’s emotional range and Savage’s signature filmmaking style, this chapter could become one of the series’ most impactful yet.

Krishnendu Majumdar and Richard Yee of Me+You Productions commented:

“It’s a genuine privilege to continue our creative relationship with Dominic Savage, one of the most brilliant and uniquely talented filmmakers today, and to be working with Nicola Coughlan, one of the standout performers of her generation.”