When is Help on Channel 4? Release date and who stars in cast of drama with Jodie Comer and Stephen Graham

Channel 4 new one-off drama, Help, is set to premiere later in September, the broadcaster has confirmed.

Starring Jodie Comer and Stephen Graham the film tells the story of a young worker called Sarah in a fictional Liverpool care home during the pandemic.

Written by the BAFTA award winning writer, Jack Thorne, the show aims to show what it was like on the frontline in the social care sector during the coronavirus pandemic.

Speaking about what inspired Help, Thorne said: “30,000 people have died unnecessarily in these care homes because of the indifference and incompetence of our government. Hearing the stories of those at the frontline, having people break down in tears on Zoom in front of us has been incredibly moving and galling.

“Getting the story right will be incredibly important, we are aware of the pressure upon us, this has to be written and made with anger and precision. We hope we do it justice.”

Here’s all you need to know about Channel 4’s Help.

What is the plot of ‘Help’?

The two-hour drama takes place in a fictional care home in Liverpool. Set during the coronavirus pandemic, the film focuses on Sarah (Jodie Comer), a young care worker who forms a bond with a 47-year-old patient Tony (Stephen Graham).

Tony has early onset Alzheimers, and her success in establishing a rapport with Tony “helps build her confidence, and restores her self belief,” but when the pandemic hits in March 2020 “everything Sarah has achieved is thrown into doubt,” according to a Channel 4 press release.

The film aims to provide an insight into the challenges faces by care workers and patients across the UK during the pandemic.

Channel 4’s head of drama, Caroline Hollick, said Help will shine an “unflinching light on the terrible events of 2020 through telling a compelling, heart-wrenching relationship story.”

Who’s in the cast of ‘Help’?

Stephen Graham and Jodie Comer lead the cast of Help.

Comer plays a social worker in the care home called Sarah. Comer is most recognisable for her performance in BBC’s Killing Eve, and the  supporting role alongside Ryan Reynolds in Free Guy.

Stephen Graham plays the role of Tony. Tony is a resident in the care home and suffers from early onset Alzheimers. Graham has featured in several UK films and TV dramas, including Line of Duty, This is England, and also Martin Scorcese’s The Irishman.

Also in the cast is Angela Griffin (Coronation Street), Mike Noble (Mr Selfridge) and John McGrellis (Brassic).

When is ‘Help’ on TV?

Help will air on Channel 4 on 16 September at 9:00pm.