Derry Girls and Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan lands lead role in new Channel 4 series

Irish actress Nicola Coughlan has been cast in the new Channel 4 anthology series 'I am...', the broadcaster has confirmed.

The Galway native will appear in the two-part I am Helen edition as the female-led drama is set to enter it's fourth season. 

Joe Cole, best known for his roles in Gangs of London and Peaky Blinders, alongside Cillian Murphy, will star opposite Coughlan.

The series will once again be written, directed and produced by creator Dominic Savage who developed a distinct collaborative style in making the series alongside his lead stars. I am... will be produced by Emmy winning Me+You productions who have been a mainstay with the show since it's debut in 2019.

The series has garnered huge critical acclaim in recent years for its storytelling and raw portrayal of the female experience highlighting issues women are facing in society told through standalone episodes.

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Titanic star Kate Winslet won a BAFTA for her role in 'I am Ruth' in 2023. Other high profile female actors who have led episodes of the series include Letitia Wright (Black Panther), Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread) and Vicky McClure (Line of Duty). 

Speaking following the announcement, Coughlan said "it's an absolute honour to be part of telling the next I Am story with Dominic Savage, a singular talent and storyteller deeply committed to exploring the breadth of the female experience". 

The commissioning editor of Channel 4 drama, Gemma Boswell commented "The 'I am...' series is a powerful and timely portrait of our times, we are thrilled to have the powerhouse combination of Dominic and Nicola to tell such a distinctive and impactful story". 

Krishnendu Manjumdar and Richard Yee of Me+You productions expressed their delight on the news adding "its a genuine privilege to continue our 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". 

Channel 4 have yet to release more details of the upcoming fourth season but have assured viewers and fans that information, including broadcast dates, will follow in due course.

Seasons 1-3 of 'I Am...' are now available on All4.