Suranne Jones to star in I Am Victoria, along with Ashley Walters

I Am, the critically acclaimed, female-led drama anthology series from award-winning writer-director Dominic Savage has been recommissioned by Channel 4.

Produced by Emmy winning Me+You Productions, the brand new 3x60” series enters production in early August, with BAFTA-winning actress Suranne Jones (Doctor Foster, Gentleman Jack) confirmed to star in I Am Victoria, alongside co-star Ashley Walters (Top Boy, Bulletproof). Further names are yet to be announced.

Each episode of the three-part series will be developed and written by Dominic Savage in collaboration with the leading actor – for whom, in each case, the story will have personal resonance.

This will be an authentic and thought-provoking series exploring contemporary female experiences and themes, including trust, relationships and mental health.

Suranne Jones said: “I’m delighted to be involved in the next series of I Am. Dominic always tells important stories with great sensitivity and the process so far has been wonderfully collaborative and open which is something I thrive on. I can’t wait to make what will be a very personal and thought-provoking piece and I’m thrilled to be telling this story with Ashley. I hope it really speaks to people and helps continue the important discussions around mental health.”

I Am became Channel 4’s most successful new 10pm drama in six years when it debuted in August 2019, with BAFTA-winning Vicky McClure starring in I Am Nicola; Oscar; BAFTA-nominated Samantha Morton starring in I Am Kirsty; and Gemma Chan starring in I Am Hannah.

As well as its nomination at this year’s BAFTA Television Awards (Leading Actress for Samantha Morton in I Am Kirsty), I Am was nominated for the Best Original Programme and Best Single Drama at the Broadcast Awards; for Best TV Movie at the C21 International Drama Awards; as Best New Drama in the TV Choice Awards; and for Photography (Drama & Comedy) at the RTS Craft Awards. Samantha Morton also won the WFTV Performance Award for her performance in I Am Kirsty.

Writer, Director and Creator Dominic Savage said: “I am looking forward greatly to making another series of female led stories with such amazing and incredibly talented actors, starting with Suranne. It is a privilege to be telling such personal and important stories in this unique and collaborative way. These will be inspirational, relatable, and truthful tales of courage and hope, that shine a light on the difficult and challenging aspects of all of our lives.”

Caroline Hollick, Head of Drama Channel 4 said: “We are utterly delighted to bring back this groundbreaking series. Suranne and Dominic have created a truly iconic, heart-rending character in ‘Victoria’, and I cannot wait to see how their extraordinary creative vision unfolds on-screen.”

Richard Yee, Executive Producer, co-founder, Me+You said: “We’re excited about renewing our creative relationship with Dominic Savage, one of the most distinctive and powerful filmmakers working today and thrilled to be working with the brilliant Suranne Jones and Ashley Walters. We’re looking forward to seeing the fruits of their collaboration on screen and are grateful for the platform and support Channel 4 have given us.”

I Am is produced by Me+You Productions. Executive Producers are Richard Yee and Dominic Savage, with Head of Drama, Caroline Hollick and Head of Development Gemma Boswell overseeing. The Series is produced by Me+You co-founder Krishnendu Majumdar with co-producer Josh Hyams (The Trip). I Am is co-funded by Sky Studios and international sales are handled by NBCU Global Distribution.