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Glasgow Live
Entertainment
Sophie Buchan

Channel 4's Help: What is it about, who are the cast, how many episodes are there and when does it air?

We've been pretty lucky with television shows recently with the hit BBC mini-series Vigil (starring Greenock's Martin Compston) as well as the Great British Bake Off.

Although we're definitely not bitter about no Scots being on the baking show...

But another drama set to be a major hit is Channel 4's 'Help' - and it's certainly reverent to the days we're living in now.

So what is it about, who stars in it and when can you watch it?

What is Channel 's 'Help' about?

Written by award-winner Jack Thorne, responsible for other hit television shows such as 'His Dark Materials', 'Help' is a one-off Channel 4 drama about the moving story of a young worker called Sarah and her patient Tony - set in a Liverpool care home called Bright Sky Homes.

Tony, a 47-year-old, has Young Onset Alzheimer’s which causes periods of both confusion and violent outburst which other members of staff struggle with - but as Sarah forms a bond with him, the country is gripped by the pandemic and they have several challenges thrown at them.

Channel 4's description reads: "Drama set in a fictional Liverpool care home in spring 2020. A carer whose bonds with a patient is put to the test in horrific circumstances as the Covid-19 pandemic hits."

Who stars in Channel 4's 'Help'?

Killing Eve star Jodie Comer plays Sarah - the carer whilst Line of Duty's Stephen Graham plays Tony - her patient.

The duo will also be joined by Coronation Street’s Angela Griffin, Mr Selfridge’s Mike Noble, and Brassic’s John McGrellis.

Speaking about his role, Stephen Graham said: “Jack is one of the greatest and most truthful writers of our generation and in Help he has crafted a profoundly important piece of social realism. I’ve wanted to work with Jodie for ages, and together we’re hugely passionate about shining a light on one of the biggest tragedies of our time and the people at the heart of it.”

The Channel 4 Covid drama is set to be a hard-hitting one. (Channel 4)

Jodie Comer added: “I am, of course, thrilled to finally be working alongside Stephen and the supremely talented Jack, Marc and those at Channel 4. For us to be able to explore such a relevant and emotive story through the eyes of such beautifully real characters, and in our home city of Liverpool, is a real honour. We’re determined to do justice to so many of the untold stories and heroes that have been affected as a result of this crisis and to handle them with care.”

READ MORE: BBC Vigil: Rose Leslie revealed to be eight months pregnant whilst filming hit series

When catch I watch Channel 4's 'Help' and how many episodes are there?

The Covid drama will air on Channel 4 on Thursday September 16 at 9pm.

As mentioned previously, this will be a one-off therefore there is only one episode with it last 98 minutes.

Killing Eve star Jodie Comer plays Sarah. (Channel 4)

It it too soon to make a drama about Covid or was there any inspiration behind Channel 4's Help?

Jack Thorne explained that “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.”

'Help' airs on Channel 4 at 9pm on Thursday, September 16.

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