Actors Nicola Coughlan and Joe Cole star in the upcoming two-part Channel 4 drama.07:49, 22 Jul 2026A 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.”‌Content cannot be displayed without consentShe 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.‌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 was showcased in the series I Am Nicola, Samantha Morton starred in I Am Kirsty, and Gemma Chan fronted I Am Hannah.Article continues belowIn 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