Nicola Coughlan admits there were "absolutely terrifying" moments on new Channel 4 drama

Nicola Coughlan opened up on one particular scene filming I Am Helen that left her feeling 'terrified'. The Bridgerton star is set to star in the powerful and impactful two-part drama alongside Joe Cole, which is airing on Channel 4 next Monday (16 November).

Coughlan plays Helen, a character who has been married to Cole’s character Steve for five years, after which he starts displaying controlling, aggressive, and manipulative behaviour.

Talking about filming the show, the actor referenced a particularly long scene from the upcoming programme, which Coughlan described as "terrifying" to film, given the nature of the show’s subject matter.

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"There were so many like that 175 minute take. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that in my whole life," she explained (via Channel 4).

"It was just so intense, and there's moments that were absolutely terrifying and then you’d be in tears but you’d find ways to laugh together and you would leave at the end of the day and go 'My God, what the hell happened?'"

I Am Helen highlights issues such as toxic masculinity and the influence from online communities such as the manosphere, as it examines how these issues can impact relationships and the expectations placed on women.

Coughlan went on to explain how challenging it was to film a show with such a sensitive subject matter, but credited those who supported her throughout the process.

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"I think it was a tough subject matter, so that was certainly challenging," she said. "I often shrug off when actors are like 'Oh God, this was really difficult.'

"But I think because you’re dealing with quite heavy topics in this show that certainly was challenging, but I had great support and I think it's an intense process so I thought, if I just give my all to it now then it’ll be worth the outcome."

Ahead of the I Am Helen's release, Coughlan shared what she hopes the audience will take away from the show.

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"I hope it starts conversations because I think it would be very easy to paint Steve as this all-out bad guy and he’s really not," she added. "I think that’s credit to Dominic and the way Joe plays him.

"He does some messed up things but also you can tell he really loves Helen and you can tell Helen’s not being fully honest with him. I think that the really interesting stuff is in the problems with human nature - that we’re not fully honest with one another and we’re selfish.

"I hope people that are in difficult situations and relationships themselves will see it and see that there’s not just one option. That there is a way out."

I Am Helen premieres at 9pm on Monday, 16 November on Channel 4.

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