Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan has warned that toxic masculinity is becoming an increasingly serious concern among young men, criticising society for placing too much responsibility on women to protect themselves from harmful behaviour. She believes greater attention should be given to perpetrators rather than continually expecting women to avoid dangerous situations.
Speaking to a media outlet on 09 November 2026, ahead of her new Channel 4 drama I Am Helen, Coughlan described toxic masculinity as being 'on the rise among young men'. Her comments come amid growing conversations about online misogyny, pornography and the influence of the so-called manosphere, with the actress hoping her latest project will encourage greater discussion about how harmful attitudes affect women and relationships.
Nicola Coughlan Criticises Society's Approach to Toxic Masculinity
Asked whether society was doing enough to tackle toxic masculinity, Coughlan responded: 'No, I don't.' She argued that women are frequently expected to take precautions to protect themselves, while less attention is directed towards understanding the behaviour of those who make them feel unsafe.
Her criticism raises an important question about accountability: why should women carry most of the responsibility for preventing harmful behaviour when perpetrators also need to be challenged Coughlan's comments reflect the central concerns explored in I Am Helen, which examines the effects of masculine aggression, control and unhealthy expectations within an established relationship.
How I Am Helen Explores the Manosphere
Created by BAFTA-winning filmmaker Dominic Savage, I Am Helen stars Coughlan as Helen, a woman whose five-year relationship with Steve, played by Joe Cole, begins to deteriorate as his behaviour becomes increasingly controlling.
Steve struggles with his circumstances and turns towards online material associated with misogynistic attitudes. His growing frustrations affect how he treats Helen, particularly as she maintains her independence and ambitions.
Cole researched the manosphere while preparing for the role, paying particular attention to online personalities whose views might initially appear reasonable but gradually reveal more troubling attitudes towards women. He explained that seemingly ordinary discussions about dating, self-improvement and traditional relationships can sometimes contain regressive expectations about women's roles.
The actor said the drama aims to show how an otherwise recognisable person can become influenced by harmful ideas when life does not unfold as expected. Unlike documentaries that focus directly on extreme online communities, I Am Helen explores how these attitudes can enter everyday relationships.
Nicola Coughlan Discusses Pornography and Women's Safety
The drama also examines pornography, sexual expectations and consent, including how certain material can influence behaviour within intimate relationships. One particularly confronting scene involves Steve attempting to choke Helen during sex. Coughlan discussed the difficult filming experience with Radio Times, explaining that she and Cole worked with an intimacy coordinator to establish boundaries and safety measures.
The actress has also highlighted the importance of female friendships and support networks when someone is experiencing difficulties in a relationship. She believes women need people they can speak to without fear of judgement, particularly when considering whether to leave an unhealthy or controlling partner.
Her comments add another dimension to the drama's message: addressing toxic masculinity requires more than telling women to protect themselves. It also involves challenging harmful attitudes and recognising the circumstances that can make leaving an unsafe relationship difficult.
A Different Approach To Telling Women's Stories
I Am Helen is the latest instalment of Dominic Savage's Channel 4 anthology, which explores women's experiences through character-led stories. Previous productions have featured Vicky McClure, Samantha Morton, Gemma Chan, Suranne Jones and Letitia Wright, while Kate Winslet's I Am Ruth won two BAFTA awards in 2023.
Known for its semi-improvised approach, the series allows actors to develop their characters collaboratively with Savage. Coughlan described the process as challenging but freeing. Produced by Me+You Productions and co-funded by Sky Studios, the two-part drama examines toxic masculinity through women's experiences in modern relationships.
Audiences will soon be able to see Coughlan bring these issues to the screen when I Am Helen premieres on Channel 4 at 9 p.m. on Monday, 16 November 2026. The second episode follows at 9.15 p.m. on Tuesday, 17 November, with both instalments also available on Channel 4's streaming service.
Through the drama, Coughlan hopes to encourage conversations about accountability, women's safety and harmful attitudes towards relationships, challenging society to address toxic masculinity rather than placing the burden of protection solely on women.
