Jodie Comer has told of her heartbreak while preparing for her role in the much-anticipated Channel 4 film Help.
The 28-year-old Liverpool-born BAFTA and Emmy-winning actress – who is best known for her roles in Killing Eve, Doctor Foster, and My Mad Fat Diary – plays a care worker in the Channel 4 film that’s set to hit screens this week.
Jodie plays the role of Sarah – a carer who forms a bond with a man suffering from young-onset Alzheimer’s, played by Stephen Graham, 48.
To prepare for the impactful role, Jodie got the opportunity to hear first-hand about how COVID-19 had devastated a care home in Greater Manchester by spending hours talking to real-life carer Rachel Smith.
She heard about the battle to save lives at EachStep home in Blackley, and admitted she was deeply moved by the stories told.
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Jodie plays the role of Sarah – a carer who forms a bond with a man suffering from young-onset Alzheimer’s / Credit: Channel 4
Rachel, 30, told the Mirror: “I told Jodie how we started losing one patient after another and felt completely helpless as there was no rhyme nor reason to who was getting sick – and we had little idea what would happen next.
“Jodie was mortified. She was really upset about some of the stories we told her.
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“I don’t think she realised how difficult that time was and she got upset through the whole conversation.
“It wasn’t just one thing, she was tearful the whole time.”
Rachel’s experiences and the experiences of other carers were said to have provided much of the detail for the Channel 4 one-off drama, particularly noting that Comer’s character wears bin liners as makeshift PPE, just like real-life carers had to during the pandemic.
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Jodie – who is currently starring alongside Ryan Reynolds and Taika Waititi in the new comedy film Free Guy – said about her role in Help: “We started shooting literally as we went into the third lockdown and it was so surreal because the story starts before the pandemic and then the pandemic hits, so it was really strange playing out events that were so recent.”
Jodie got the opportunity to hear first-hand about how COVID-19 had devastated a care home in Greater Manchester / Credit: Channel 4
“I’m so proud of that film,” she continued.
“Stephen does these roles all the time, but I felt it was the first I’ve done where it felt bigger than all of us.”
Help will air on Channel 4 at 9pm on Thursday 16 September, and after on All4.
Featured Image – Channel 4
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Delays on M60 continue after man dies falling from bridge near Trafford Centre
Daisy Jackson
A man has tragically died after falling from a bridge on the M60, near the Trafford Centre.
Police closed the motorway in both directions at around 10am this morning as they responded to the concern for welfare.
The man was on Barton Bridge on the M60, but tragically fell and passed away at the scene.
The motorway was shut anti-clockwise between junction 12 for the M602 and junction 10, and on the clockwise carriageway between junction 9 and 11, with a huge diversion in place.
Although the motorway has reopened as the afternoon has worn on, disruption is ‘likely’ to continue for several hours yet.
National Highways is reporting up to two miles of congestion on the M60 around Barton Bridge.
In a statement released earlier today, a GMP spokesperson said: “Officers are currently responding to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60, reported at around 9:40am today (Tuesday 31 March).
“The M60 remains closed in both directions while emergency services are in attendance. Significant delays are expected and drivers are advised to avoid the area where possible.”
GMP later added: “Earlier today, officers responded to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60. The man sadly fell from the bridge and passed away at the scene.
“The road remains closed while enquiries continue. Please avoid the area and plan alternative routes where possible as disruption is likely to continue for the rest of the day.”
Molly-Mae Hague and adidas drop new collection inspired by matcha and iced lattes
Daisy Jackson
Today, adidas has finally released its hotly-anticipated parnership with Manchester-based influencer Molly-Mae Hague.
The social media superstar has collaborated with the sportswear giant for a limited-edition footwear collection inspired by matchas and iced lattes.
Molly-Mae and adidas Originals have just given fans a look at the shoes for the first time.
The star has curated a limited-edition collection of iconic Originals silhouettes – a Samba and a Superstar.
The first is the Samba Matcha shoes, a premium leather and suede shoe in a soft green colour, with double pink and white laces.
The other is a Superstar II Latte, which again features double laces in coffee-coloured hues, but in the iconic leather Superstar silhouette.
In behind-the-scenes footage of the design process on Molly-Mae’s Amazon Prime documentary series, Behind It All, she described them as ‘matcha cool girl in London’ shoes – and the vision has definitely come to life.
Molly-Mae said: “Seeing my creative vision come to life on two iconic adidas Originals silhouettes that have long been staples in my wardrobe is a true dream.
“Being so closely involved in the design process and creating products that feel fun, timeless, and an authentic extension of my own personal style has been the best experience.
“I am so excited to see how others style them in their own way.”
Steve Marks, VP Brand adidas UK commented: “At adidas, we partner with individuals who define style through authenticity and a deep-rooted connection to our brand.
“Molly-Mae’s relationship with adidas Originals has developed organically over time as a key advocate of the brand and this partnership represents a natural evolution – bringing her signature aesthetic to two of our most iconic silhouettes.”
The limited-edition adidas Originals x Molly-Mae collection drops in stores and online on 9 April, priced at £100 per pair.
Emily Sergeant -
13th September 2021 
