Ever since we first learned that Nicola Coughlan and Lydia West would be joining forces for a new Channel 4 comedy series titled Big Mood, we’ve been anticipating big things. And if our first look at the series is anything to go by, it won’t disappoint.

Channel 4 has released a fresh batch of first-look images of Coughlan and West in action as the show’s central characters Maggie and Eddie. With crystals, smudged mascara, and… an octopus costume, we already can’t wait to see what the best friends get up to when the show airs later this month. 

If you’re not yet familiar with the upcoming series, Big Mood has been described as a “vivacious and rebellious portrayal of female friendship when infiltrated by the complexities of a serious mental illness” and is being brought to us by the people behind shows including The Responder and Wedding Season.

Here’s everything else we know about Big Mood so far. 

What’s the plot of Big Mood?

Written and created by Camilla Whitehill, Big Mood follows the story of two best friends, Maggie and Eddie.

As per the official synopsis, Maggie and Eddie have been best friends for well over a decade. Which means, yes, their relationship has survived a lot over the years, including multiple challenging eyebrow trends.

Their 20s are behind them, though, and the two women are facing a pivotal point in each of their lives. And so, when Maggie’s bipolar disorder makes an unwelcome return, Eddie is forced to question whether this friendship is really in their best interests.

Who stars in Big Mood?

Nicola Coughlan (of Bridgerton and Derry Girls fame) and It’s A Sin’s breakout star, Lydia West, take on the roles of Maggie and Eddie respectively.

“When I first met Camilla Whitehill long, long ago, during the time of indie sleaze, I quickly realised she was one of the funniest and most talented people I’d ever met,” says Coughlan.

“It was always our dream for us to work on something together, and now Channel 4 is making that dream come true. I can’t wait to make this show with this amazing group of people.”

Meanwhile, West shares: “I’m so happy to be working with Camilla and Nicola on this project. The writing is genius, and the subject explores the mental health struggles that all of our generation face – coupled with how to navigate complicated, loving and nuanced friendship.”

She adds: “Channel 4 is the perfect home for this heart-warming, hilarious, savvy comedy and I feel truly honoured to tell this story which touched my heart.”

However, since the show was first announced, there has been a long list of exciting names added to Big Mood’s cast list. In fact, the cast has grown so big it’s better described as an ensemble.

So, without further ado, the actors set to join Coughlan and West on screen are Niamh Cusack (The Virtues), Eamon Farren (The Witcher), Luke Fetherston (Flowers in the Attic: The Origin), Kate Fleetwood (Wheel of Time), Rob Gilbert (Big Boys), Rebecca Lowman (Prime Suspect), Sally Phillips (Veep), Ukweli Roach (Wolf) and Amalia Vitale (Willow).

Other members of the cast include Olu Adaeze (Top Boy), Max Bennett (Poldark), Skylar Betteridge, David Bedella (Inside No. 9), Tim Downie (Toast of London), Ron Donachie, Sarah Durham (Sex Education), Lara Grace Ilori, Neil Edmond, Amy Gledhill (Alma’s Not Normal), content creator Maddie Grace Jepson, Tom Rhys Harries (White Lines), Layla-Belle Matthews, Simon Meacock (Outlander), David Mumeni (Stath Lets Flats), David Newman, Freya Parker (Lazy Susan), Shuna Snow, Sid Sagar, Stephen Sobal, Lottie Tolhurst, Isobel Thom, Robin Weaver (Extraordinary).

There’s also one exciting guest star set to make an appearance: Gavin And Stacey’s Joanna Page, who will be playing herself.

What are people saying about Big Mood?

“Getting my own Channel 4 comedy still feels like some kind of long form prank, Punk’d style,” says Whitehill of her upcoming series.

“But on the off chance it isn’t, I am beside myself to be making this show with such an incredible team of people, a cast that I’d be jealous of if it wasn’t my cast, and for a channel that’s produced some of my favourite shows of all time.”

Elsewhere, Laura Riseam, Channel 4’s commissioning editor, promises: “Big Mood is an authentic portrayal of the passionate, reckless and surreal tales of close friendship threatened by an all-consuming mental illness.

“It’s outrageously daring, painfully funny and unreservedly poignant – the type of comedy that firmly belongs on Channel 4. We are delighted to welcome Camilla and Dancing Ledge into the fold.”

When can we watch Big Mood?

The six-part series is coming to Channel 4 on 28 March at 10pm. Not long to wait then…

Main image: Channel 4