Channel 4 has released the first official images of Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan alongside Peaky Blinders actor Joe Cole in I Am Helen, the latest instalment of Dominic Savage’s acclaimed I Am anthology. The two-part drama will air later in 2026, with full transmission details still to be announced.
Coughlan stars as Helen in the new story, which she developed alongside Savage. Cole’s character remains under wraps, although the images place the pair together during what appears to be a tense exchange, offering an early glimpse at the difficult relationship at the centre of the drama.
Created, written and directed by Savage, I Am Helen explores womanhood within a world shaped by masculine power, aggression and control. Told through a female lens, the drama will examine the pressures placed on women while confronting toxic masculinity and the damage it can cause within modern relationships.
When the project was first announced, Coughlan described joining the anthology as “an absolute honour”, praising Savage’s commitment to exploring the breadth of the female experience.
The new instalment marks the first time an I Am story has been told across two hour-long episodes. Previous chapters have starred Vicky McClure, Samantha Morton, Gemma Chan, Suranne Jones, Letitia Wright and Lesley Manville. Kate Winslet later led I Am Ruth, which won two BAFTAs following its release in 2022.
For CultureCues, Coughlan and Cole make an immediately compelling pairing, and the first images suggest I Am Helen will continue the anthology’s personal and emotionally demanding approach to women’s stories. We are particularly big fans of Coughlan, so seeing her take on a role this intense has already made this one of our most anticipated Channel 4 dramas of the year. We will definitely be watching when it arrives later in 2026.
I Am Helen will air on Channel 4 later in 2026.
Nikki Murray is a UK-based writer, screenwriter and founder & editor of CultureCues, covering film, television, music and pop culture. Her work focuses on storytelling and the moments shaping modern entertainment.