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Bridgerton and Peaky Blinders legends star in chilling first-look trailer for new toxic masculinity TV drama

A seemingly loving relationship turns sinister in new two-parter I Am Helen.

Nicola Coughlan and Joe Cole in I Am Helen, sat on a bed facing each other. He is holding his hand out gesturing at her, as if in an argument.

Me and You Productions/Channel 4

Published: Monday, 26 October 2026 at 5:18 pm

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Joe Cole and Nicola Coughlan are a couple being torn apart by the manosphere in the sinister first trailer for Channel 4 series, I Am Helen.

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In the upcoming two-part drama, part of the I Am... anthology, Helen (Coughlan) and boyfriend Steve (Cole) are seen on the verge of a break-up after five years together, as toxic behaviour begins to make itself known.

Created by filmmaker Dominic Savage alongside Coughlan, I Am Helen’s trailer sees Steve shutting Helen down in her attempts to talk to him about the state of their relationship.

He’s later seen influenced by a friend who tells him “it’s tough for blokes” and how they’re “made to be the bad guy”.

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As Helen talks to a friend about the struggles she’s facing and the emotional toll it’s taking on her, the trailer cuts to snips of arguments where Steve’s behaviour gets more violent and controlling.

This includes leaving her aggressive voice notes and punching a fridge as he yells at her.

According to the synopsis, I Am Helen “explores the experience of womanhood within a world shaped by masculine power, aggression and control” and is 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,” it adds.

Nicola Coughlan in I Am Helen, sat on a bed.

Nicola Coughlan in I Am Helen.  Me and You Productions/Channel 4

I Am Helen is the fourth series and eighth story in the female-led anthology series created by Savage.

Each tale is co-written by its leading woman to tell a modern-day story of female experiences.

Series one and two each had three separate episodes, while 2022’s I Am Ruth starring Kate Winslet stood in place of series three.

Other participants in the series have been Gemma Chan, Samantha Morton, Vicky McClure, Suranne Jones, Letitia Wright and Lesley Manville.

I Am Helen is coming soon to Channel 4.

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Authors

Tilly PearceFreelance Writer

Tilly Pearce is a freelance TV journalist whose coverage ranges from reality shows like Love Is Blind to sci-fi shows like Fallout. She is an NCTJ Gold Standard accredited journalist, who has previously worked as Deputy TV Editor (maternity cover) at Digital Spy, and Deputy TV & Showbiz Editor at Daily Express US.

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